Adelaide United itching to regain A-League form against Perth Glory

The timing of the A-League’s break for the World Cup didn’t do Adelaide United any favours.

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart (left) wants his side to show more desperation. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The recent A-League break came at the wrong time for an Adelaide United side desperate to rediscover its pre-World Cup form.

Since the competition’s resumption om December 9 after it went into recess for the World Cup, the Reds have secured just one point from a possible nine.

It’s in stark contrast to their performances before the break, with Carl Veart’s men having entered their hiatus on the back of three successive wins.

“Since the break for the World Cup, we are still finding our feet again,” coach Veart said ahead of the Reds’ battle with Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on Monday night.

“We went into the break looking really (good) and we just haven’t picked that form up yet.

“The boys are working extremely hard and we’re still very focused on what we want to achieve.

“It’s just a matter of (us continuing to work), keeping our heads down, and things will turn for us.”

Zach Clough (right) has made a welcome return to Adelaide United’s line-up. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Veart was disappointed with last Tuesday night’s 1-0 home loss to Newcastle, questioning his side’s desperation.

“We were just little bit too slow with the ball and a little bit too static with our movement,’ he said.

“We weren’t desperate enough to get in the opposition box to score goals.

“I know the conditions were extremely hot for both teams, but, overall, I think what it came down to in the game was that they just had a little bit more desire than what we did.”

However, a bright note to the loss for the Reds was the return from injury of English midfielder Zach Clough.

“In the first half, (Zach) showed some good glimpses of what he can provide for us,” Veart said.

“Physically, with the heat as well, he’s not used to playing in such hot conditions and it took its toll on him, but to get 55 minutes out of him, it was a great positive for us and we expect him to provide a lot more attack attacking options for us in Monday’s game.”

Veart was also wary of a Glory side with “some really good attacking weapons with a lot of speed”.

“We have to be mindful that we don’t give them too much space,” he said.

“They’re a good side and they’ve been a bit unfortunate with some of the results that have gone against them.”

Originally published as Adelaide United itching to regain A-League form against Perth Glory