Adelaide United coach Carl Veart back to work after being hospitalised with pneumonia

With just one win from their past six games, Adelaide United is desperate to find some confidence and form. Having their coach back should help.

Having recovered from pneumonia, Adelaide United coach Carl Veart is now intent on finding a remedy to cure the Reds’ recent A-League woes.

An ill Veart missed his side’s 1-1 home draw with Melbourne Victory last Saturday night, with assistant coach Mark Milligan taking charge.

However, Veart will resume his match duties on Friday night at Coopers Stadium for the Reds’ battle with Macarthur FC

“I had high fever for about four days and then it just took a turn from there, and I had to go into hospital and get all the tests done,” Veart said in explaining his absence.

“Now I’m much better and looking forward to getting back on the pitch

“I’ve still got to be careful that I don’t over exert myself, so I’ll save it up for (Friday) night.”

Since the A-League’s resumption following its break for the World Cup, the Reds have won just once in six games and have acquired only five points from a possible 18.

“At the moment we’re just holding on to a top-six spot and it’s not where we want to be. We want to be higher up the ladder,” Veart said.

“In the last six weeks our performances just haven’t been good enough, our effort hasn’t been good enough, and the players are well aware of that.

“All of us have to pitch in together and work hard and get ourselves out of this little rut we’re in.

“We’re at home (on Friday night) and generally at home we’ve put on good performances, and that’s what we need (against Macarthur) – a good performance and three points.”

Goalkeeper Joe Gauci says the Reds are ‘building’. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Veart admitted his team was lacking confidence.

“That’s what winning does – it breeds that confidence,” he said.

“The only way you can get that winning feeling is keep working hard. It’s important that we stick to our beliefs … and keep playing the brand of football we want to play.”

Veart ruled out strengthening his squad during the current transfer window, saying the club had no funds to work with.

Adelaide goalkeeper Joe Gauci said there was plenty of time for the Reds to reignite their season.

“We’re building from week to week,” Gauci said.

“The results haven’t been as consistent as we would have liked, everyone knows that, but we’re not even halfway through the season yet.

“We’re still in the top six, we’re still fighting for finals, and we’re still within touching distance of the top two, so picking up points is important, yes, but we know that things will come good.”

Originally published as Adelaide United coach Carl Veart back to work after being hospitalised with pneumonia