Adelaide’s lack of firepower exposed in Phoenix draw

Marco Kurz says he is tired of answering the same question. But debate over Adelaide’s need for attacking reinforcements will rage on, after the Reds squandered a host of opportunities against the Phoenix.

Marco Kurz is desperate for a killer in the box. Picture: Getty

Marco Kurz says he is tired of answering the same question.

But debate over Adelaide United’s need for attacking reinforcements was set to rage on, after the Reds squandered a host of scoring opportunities in their 0-0 draw with Wellington Phoenix.

Coach Kurz watched on as his side dominated the 10-man visitors for large periods of the second half at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.

The German boss said the Reds had lacked polish and a clinical edge in the front third following Mandi’s 68th minute dismissal for the New Zealand outfit.

Marco Kurz is desperate for a killer in the box. Picture: Getty

But he said he would not determine whether Adelaide would sign a new forward, despite marquee front man Baba Diawara remaining sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

“I’m so tired about the question,” said Kurz, when asked if the Reds would add a new striker in the January transfer window.

“I am the coach (and) I have to coach my team.

“Please ask (chairman) Piet van der Pol or whoever, not me.

“But I’m honest if you have so much chances, you must win this game.

“To have chances is very important. Now we must finalise the last step to score more goals.

“At the end you need in the box a killer instinct.”

George Blackwood started on the bench. Picture: AAP

Kurz had young forward George Blackwood on the bench for the second straight game after his return from a broken collarbone.

But he again opted to start Danish No.10 Ken Ilso in the central striking role in the continued absence of Diawara and teenage attacker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (quad injury).

Kurz said Mandi’s dismissal for kicking out at Vince Lia as the Reds midfielder lay prone on the ground was a clear decision.

The mentor was only puzzled by referee Stephen Lucas taking six minutes to view a sideline replay on the VAR’s advice and brandish a red card.

He lamented his team’s slow start against a Wellington side which extended its unbeaten run to six matches and it’s inability to make its advantage as hosts count.

“I missed a little bit our confidence in the first half to show them it’s our home ground,” said Kurz, as Adelaide failed to add to its one victory from seven home outings this campaign.

“We had the control in the game, but show the opponent it’s Hindmarsh, it’s our Coopers Stadium and they can come and fly back without points.

“The second half was much better.

“From the first minute we played with a lot of pressure, we created ... a couple of good moments.

“But it’s not easy to play against Wellington. At the end we have to respect the point.”