Coach Marco Kurz praises Adelaide United but questions penalty denial in goalless draw with Perth
Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz is proud but puzzled after his side battled to a precious point on the road against A-League pacesetter Perth Glory.
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Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz is proud but puzzled after his side battled to a precious point on the road against A-League pacesetter Perth Glory.
The depleted Reds were resolute in defence and menacing on the counter attack, as they frustrated the table-topping hosts in a brave 0-0 draw at Perth Oval on Wednesday night.
But Kurz and his players were left pondering what might have been following referee Adam Kersey’s denial of a strong penalty claim late in the first half.
The visitors were even more baffled by the VAR’s failure to direct the official to a sideline replay of Juande’s trip on Isaias as the United captain powered into the Perth box.
“I’m happy with the performance because it was not easy for us,” said Kurz, after his side leapfrogged Wellington Phoenix into fifth place.
“Our game plan was to press them very high to make it not too easy for them to find their offensive players, and we had good possession and good moments.
“But the foul on Isaias was a clear penalty.
“I’m really surprised the referee didn’t check (the replay) because that’s a situation you have to check.
“I missed a little bit the clear structure when you check things and when not.
“I don’t understand it, but I have to respect it because I cannot change it.”
The Reds were without defender Michael Jakobsen (suspended), midfielder Mirko Boland (bereavement leave) and strikers Baba Diawara and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (injured).
But they demonstrated their character and tactical flexibility throughout the contest, as Kurz shifted to a back five when Perth had possession.
Right back Michael Marrone and midfielder Vince Lia dropped in to become makeshift centre backs, performing admirably in unfamiliar roles.
The reshuffle allowed United to contain Perth early on, before growing into the contest as an attacking force in the second period.
“One of our strengths is the mentality in our team is brilliant,” German boss Kurz said.
“They are all hard workers and I’m very proud to be the coach of this team.
“Micky (Marrone) played in a completely new position for him and he played in the defensive phase brilliantly.
“It was also very important to be brave and to press them high.
“It must give us a lot of confidence, because it was one of he first games Perth has had problems building up and creating chances.”
The result extended Adelaide’s record to just one loss in seven outings since Christmas.
Kurz said the heavy schedule, which included three-straight away clashes in the past 11 days, had left his charges fatigued but satisfied ahead of Sunday’s home date with Central Coast.
“After today (Wednesday night) they are tired,” Kurz said.
“The last two weeks with the training and the three away games, it’s been a lot for the boys.
“But I am still positive and I know that we will be ready on Sunday for the important and strong home game against Central Coast.”
Originally published as Coach Marco Kurz praises Adelaide United but questions penalty denial in goalless draw with Perth
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