Why German running machine Mirko Boland is a good fit for Adelaide United boss Marco Kurz
HE’S the running machine with Bundesliga pedigree aiming to emulate countryman and confidant Daniel Adlung — Mirko Boland means business at Hindmarsh.
HE’S the running machine with Bundesliga pedigree aiming to emulate countryman and confidant Daniel Adlung — Mirko Boland means business at Hindmarsh.
Uncompromising box-to-box midfielders thrive in the A-League and German Boland was convinced by Adlung to join boyhood idol Marco Kurz’s Reds outfit.
“Daniel is strong and technical. You can expect the same from me,” said Boland, praising Adlung, who slotted five goals in 26 A-League games for United.
“For me the basics are important, you need to run, fight and after that you can play football.”
Adlung returned to his home town in Germany for a player/coach role with Greuther Fürth but his legacy remains.
Danish midfielder Ken Ilso and Boland have arrived at Hindmarsh this season on the recommendation of Adlung and desire to link up with Bundesliga stalwart Kurz.
“I talked with Daniel and he told me a lot of good things, he had a good experience, the guys are friendly,” said Boland, who made 293 appearances for Eintracht Braunschweig (BTSV).
“I know Marco as a player with Borussia Dortmund and 1860 Munich and as a coach. It is the reason why I came here to learn from him.”
Adelaide’s a good fit for Boland, coming from a club in Eintracht Braunschweig that punched above its weight all the way from division three to the Bundesliga in 2013-14.
“I was 21 when I came to Eintracht Braunschweig, we went up from third league to the Bundesliga. It was so amazing to play, many good memories,” he said.
“I am loyal player and that is the reason I wanted a two-year contract with Adelaide.
“I was a leader in Germany but new here. I have a lot of experience and want to help the team.
“In Germany it was physical which is similar to the A-League, I am fit so it holds no fears for me. I came here to win.”
Having kept in shape since signing off at Eintracht Braunschweig, Boland wants to hit the ground running in Adelaide’s FFA Cup round of 32 opener against Central Coast Mariners on August 1 at Marden.
“I think my fitness is good so now I will meet my teammates and hope to play but that is up to the coach,” said Boland.
Die Mannschaft bombed in its World Cup defence but Boland noted the German flavour in the A-League this year with former VfB Stuttgart star Georg Niedermeier recruited to marshal Melbourne Victory’s defence.
“Thomas Broich was a two time Johnny Warren medallist and only had good things to say about Australia. I followed Daniel in the A-League and now Melbourne Victory has signed Georg Niedermeier, who played a lot with VfB Stuttgart. I am not alone here.”