Victory important for players, city and me, says Adelaide United coach Guillermo Amor

ADELAIDE United coach Guillermo Amor says the Reds’ win over Perth Glory was important for his players, for the club, for the city ... and for him.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 06: Guillermo Amor coach of Adelaide talks to the media during the round nine A-League match between Adelaide United and Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/Getty Images)

ADELAIDE United coach Guillermo Amor initially put on his poker face when asked if his maiden win was the happiest moment in his senior coaching career.

The Barcelona legend had, after eight matches, been yet to win a game.

But that all changed last night when the Reds crashed through the winless barrier to record a 1-0 victory over Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium.

“For me today is very important,’’ Amor said, before cracking a smile. “But I think it’s very important for Adelaide the club, for the players, for the people in general and for the city.

“It’s good, I’m happy today, the sport, the players are happy.”

Pablo Sanchez had scored the winner after just three minutes, in his second start of the season.

It was his third goal of the campaign.

Sanchez seemed to have a telepathic understanding with Marcelo Carrusca who was in blistering form, earning his first start in four matches as the Reds had a more creative look about them.

“All the players are important,’’ Amor said after the game.

“I think Chelo (Carrusca) and Pablo are very important for the group and we decide on the players specifically for each game.

“I thought Chelo and Pablo would be key players for this match and we have been proven right.”

But the match going ahead had not been set in concrete as Adelaide’s inferno-like temperatures on Sunday threatened the wellbeing of players.

The effects of the 41C heat took their toll on Football Federation Australia officials, who had to determine whether the extreme heat conditions were safe for matches.

Officials constantly monitored the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) after the W-League match was shifted to a 7.30pm kick off at West Beach – from the rescheduled 4pm at Hindmarsh – as temperatures hit 40.7C before 3pm.

The WBGT is a measure of heat stress in direct sunlight, taking into account temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation (sun angle and cloud cover). If the WBGT tops 28C it is deemed too dangerous to play soccer, according to FFA standards.

But at about 5pm when strong winds kicked in at Hindmarsh, it appeared FFA officials were confident the WBGT would not exceed 28C by the 7pm kick-off for the A-League clash.

Amor said no players had any signs of heat fatigue symptoms after the clash.

“It’s been a very hot match and it was great to have those drinks breaks,’’ Amor said.

“The players are feeling OK now.”

Glory coach Kenny Lowe said he was over the excuses after Perth had enough chances to score.

The brilliance of Reds keeper Eugene Galekovic and poor decision making in front of goal cost the visitors.

“You can’t have that poor quality for the first goal and the poor quality for not finishing the opportunities,’’ he said.

“No we don’t deserve anything out of that.”

Originally published as Victory important for players, city and me, says Adelaide United coach Guillermo Amor