Goalkeeper Paul Izzo urges Adelaide United to stick to its attacking philosophy against Jets

Adelaide United does not need to tear up the playbook in search of plan B. It simply needs to back itself in executing plan A more effectively against Newcastle Jets, according to Reds goalkeeper Paul Izzo.

Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo has backed the Reds to rediscover their winning ways against Newcastle Jets. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

Adelaide United does not need to tear up the playbook in search of plan B.

It simply needs to back itself in executing plan A more effectively, according to Reds goalkeeper Paul Izzo.

United travelled to Newcastle for Sunday’s A-League clash with the Jets looking for a response to its demoralising home loss to lowly Western Sydney a week earlier.

Adelaide’s quick ball movement and early deliveries into the box helped it dominate the visitors in every key statistic, except the one that mattered in the 3-1 defeat.

Izzo said persistence and patience, rather than abandoning the approach which had driven his side into the top four, were the keys as the regular season neared the home straight.

“The stats don’t lie,” said Izzo, after the Reds had 70 per cent possession, 41-6 crosses and 11-0 corners against the Wanderers last weekend.

“We were doing everything right, it was just the final product that was the problem.

“There definitely is a plan B.

“But at the present time plan A is kind of working, it just wasn’t turning into goals for us.

“We did it the whole game against Brisbane (a fortnight ago) and then we got the last minute winner.

“We intend on doing the same thing and playing the same way.”

Marco Kurz’s team, which was already missing wingers Ben Halloran and Nikola Mileusnic due to ankle injuries, might be forced into a defensive reshuffle against the Jets.

Centre back Jordan Elsey was not sighted as United departed Adelaide Airport on Saturday and was believed not to have flown to the Hunter.

It would likely mean Michael Marrone coming in for his 200th league game to fill the gap in the heart of defence, a role he excelled in during last month’s goalless draw at Perth Glory.

Dutch signing Jordy Thomassen was again expected to lead the line against the Newcastle, supported by George Blackwood who shone in a No. 10 role last Saturday.

“For Georgie it works out better, because he prefers to get the ball and be able to run facing forward, not having his back to goal,” Izzo, 24, said.

“He’s a creative player.

“Jordy is everything we’ve been missing this season. He’s a big target man, that can hold the ball up.

Paul Izzo made seven saves, including this one, in Adelaide United’s round-10 victory over Newcastle Jets. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

“For me, those two can work very well together.

“But the more people we have getting more goals and not just relying on one or two players the better.”

Adelaide would face a Newcastle side coming off four games in the past 13 days, as well as a 30-hour round trip for Tuesday’s Asian Champions League playoff loss to Kashima Antlers.

Izzo made seven saves in a matchwinning display when the Reds snatched a 2-1 victory at McDonald Jones Stadium in round 10 thanks to Craig Goodwin’s stoppage-time penalty.

The SA-born custodian was hoping for a quieter day against the seventh-placed Jets, as United bid to maintain its two-point buffer over Melbourne City in fifth.

“It’s massive that we bounce back straight away,” the ex-Australian youth international said.

“This is a team that we need to get another three points off and eliminate them from the (finals) race.

“Obviously they’ve had a lot of travel, but the depth they’ve got in their squad is pretty good.

“It’s really coming down to crunch time now and every point is massive.”