Adelaide United coach Carl Veart calls for Reds to lift against A-League leaders Auckland FC

Having lost two successive matches, Adelaide United can ill-afford a third consecutive defeat on Saturday against Auckland FC.

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart has demanded a “response” from his side in Saturday’s battle with A-League leaders Auckland FC to ensure the Reds’ premiership hopes remain alive.

Veart’s men have fallen eight points behind the Black Knights, who have had a remarkable debut season.

It was only a few weeks ago that the Reds were just two points adrift of Auckland.
However since then, Adelaide has suffered successive losses to Newcastle and Western United.

In contrast, Auckland has beaten Western United and Wellington Phoenix in taking significant steps towards premiership glory.

Squad is in for our first Auckland away day 🔥

Details → https://t.co/cB7aJOVYxtpic.twitter.com/W5T4BQVRNY

— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) February 27, 2025

“It’s massively important for us,” Veart said of the clash at Go Media Stadium.

“The last few weeks haven’t been great, so we need a response from the playing group.

“If Auckland win, they’ve probably secured the Premier’s Plate, so if we want to keep our aspirations alive, we have to win.

“Last week (a 3-0 away loss to Western United) was probably one of our worst performances of the season.

“We made a few mistakes and got punished, and we didn’t create much either. It was a wake-up call for the playing group.

“We haven’t had a great month, but we’ve reviewed that game, and now our full focus is on Auckland.

“Both teams will have a good crack, and hopefully, we play some good football and manage to get the win.”

The teams met at Coopers Stadium on January 22, with Adelaide conceding a stoppage-time goal in being forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.

“I certainly remember it. That’s just the way it is sometimes,” Veart said.

“Coaches always have moments where they question things, but we have to play what’s in front of us. We switched off, and they capitalised.

“Hopefully, we can go that one step further this time.”

Carl Veart has been impressed by Auckland FC this season. Picture Mark Brake/Getty Images

Veart was full of praise for the work done by his former Socceroos teammate Steve Corica as coach of Auckland.

“It (Auckland’s season) might have caught people by surprise, but Steve is a great operator,” Veart said.

“He’s put together such a strong squad with no real weaknesses. That’s what has surprised people – these are players who haven’t played much in the league before.

“Credit to Steve and his staff for organising them so well in such a short time.

“It’s great for the league to see a new team come in and do things the right way, getting strong support and connecting with the community in Auckland.”