Analysis: How much has Adelaide United really changed under Dutch coach Gertjan Verbeek
Adelaide United has changed its coach and, on the surface, its playing style. But is the Reds’ end product under Gertjan Verbeek vastly different to that during Marco Kurz’s reign?
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The coach has changed and so too, on the surface, has the style.
But is the end product of Gertjan Verbeek’s Adelaide United vastly different to that of the Reds under his predecessor Marco Kurz?
Based on the early-season evidence and some hard numbers, perhaps not.
Dutchman Verbeek arrived in SA vowing to introduce a fresh approach, based heavily on the total football of the legendary Netherlands sides of his youth.
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At times the slick passing, quick movement and lightning breaks have caught the eye.
The second half of United’s 4-0 FFA Cup final demolition, when the hosts clinically finished off three stunning team moves to bury Melbourne City, being a case in point.
But just as often, the Reds have laboured to break down their opponent and needed grit, not glamour, to prevail.
Last month’s come-from-behind A-League win away to Newcastle Jets and Sunday’s 1-0 home success over Brisbane Roar demonstrated this.
Digging deep to grind out victories with backs to the ball is a welcome quality for any team.
But the contain and counterpunch ethos of United under Kurz drew criticism in some quarters, despite also landing a cup and getting to within a penalty kick of a grand final berth.
Statistically, the contrasts between the past two seasons are minimal.
In four league matches this campaign, the Reds have averaged 1.5 goals for and the same number against.
This is slightly better in an attacking sense (1.37) and slightly worse defensively (1.19) than last summer.
United is having more shots per game (11.25) compared to the previous campaign (10.2), but is getting less of these on target (35.6 per cent to 45.7 per cent).
Kurz, now at the helm of Melbourne Victory, was at times accused of relying too heavily on hopeful crosses into the box while in charge of the Reds.
This was reflected in them averaging a league-high 22.7 centres per game with just 20.9 per cent accuracy.
Verbeek’s men generally prefer lower cut backs into the area, rather than aerial deliveries from deep.
But they are whipping in almost the same number of crosses (22 per game) with only marginally more success (22.7 per cent).
And even with their possession focus, the Adelaide is averaging less passes this season (439.5 to 450.7) with a worse completion rate (75.1 per cent to 79.2 per cent).
Saturday’s clash with Central Coast in Gosford presents an opportunity for United to build on the momentum of winning their past three outings in all competitions.
It has been boosted by the return from injury of defender Jordan Elsey and forward George Blackwood.
Teenage midfielder Louis D’Arrigo and fellow Young Socceroo Lachlan Brook are also back from international duty.
But goalscoring sensation Al Hassan Toure is away with the Australian under-23 squad in China, while experienced German import Mirko Boland remains sidelined with a knee issue.
Off-season recruit Michael Maria, who impressed as a central midfielder against the Roar in a rejigged 4-1-4-1 formation, was encouraged by the replenished playing stocks.
“We had a rough start (to the season),” said the Curacao international, who has also been deployed as a left back and left winger since arriving at the club.
“But I think we’re going on track now.
“A lot of guys are coming back (and) we’ve got some reinforcements.
“They (returning players) are important to us as a team.
“You need every type of player and everyone should be together so we can just build on our plan and stick to what we are trying to do.”
The Mariners, wooden spooner in each of the past two campaigns, look an improved outfit under manager Alen Stajcic, but United is still likely to see plenty of the ball.
It remains to be seen whether Verbeek’s charges can consistently combine the free-flowing, offensive game plan seen in glimpses with positive results.