After Adelaide United recorded successive wins for the first time this season, coach Guillermo Amor has the foundations to mount an unlikely challenge to qualify for the top six, with history potentially repeating itself in the process.
Despite the Reds dismal start to the A-League season, fortunes appear to be changing in the city of churches.
Consecutive 1-0 and 2-1 triumphs against Perth Glory and Sydney FC respectively means they have found some sort of form and confidence, following eight weeks of disappointment.
Nine points in 10 rounds is certainly unenviable from whatever angle you analyse it and would usually connote any aspirations of reaching the finals are dead and buried. However, by what spectators have witnessed in the previous two matches not Adelaide’s – at least for the moment.
Rewind two years ago, during the 2013-14 campaign and then boss Josep Gombau was in a predicament akin to what Amor has been recently enduring now.
Likewise, he too had accumulated just nine points in 10 matches.
That campaign Gombau was in the midst of a turbulent time with the Spaniard attempting to implement his ‘tiki-taka’ playing style. A 3-1 defeat of Perth in the opening round was virtually an anomaly until the side turned a corner in round 10 against the Central Coast Mariners. A 4-0 drubbing of the defending champions stimulated the squad, sparking a seven game undefeated streak which in hindsight was the defining period that saw them secure a place in the finals.
Fast forward to the present and the Reds’ campaign has carried out in almost identical fashion as it did under Amor’s predecessor. An inspirational last-gasp win over Sydney, courtesy of Marcelo Carrusca’s could possibly spur the side to go on a similar unbeaten run as they did across December 2013 and January 2014. But of course it remains to be seen if United can replicate and sustain that type of stretch.
However, speaking exclusively with Outside90 last week, defender Michael Marrone felt the team had been showing signs of improvement before its 1-0 win over the Glory.
“Look I think the last three weeks we had conceded two goals off set pieces, we haven’t conceded from open play,” Marrone said.
“So I think we’ve tightened up defensively, we’re looking a lot stronger and feeling a lot more comfortable as well.
“And as well as that we are starting to create chances… I don’t know about a turning point, I felt the last few weeks we’ve felt a lot more comfortable.”
His sentiments are a justification of the largely dominant performance against the Sky Blues, albeit against 10 men, for over 60 minutes and proof there is still belief within the dressing room that its campaign is far from finished.
Marrone also attributed Adelaide’s horrendous start down to a combination of things, admitting it did take some time to adjust to Amor’s tweaked philosophy from that of Gombau, who aforementioned laid the foundations of the club’s new playing identity in 2013.
Also working in the ex-Blaugrana legend’s favour is the imminent return of several players from injury. Osama Malik, Eli Babalj and Iacopo La Rocca could be in line to feature in some capacity on Friday night if the trio can prove their fitness in the coming days. The latter two have both experienced testing beginnings to their careers at Coopers Stadium and will be desperate to convince Amor they are ready to play an integral role in the club’s renaissance.
Striker Eli Babalj could provide some much needed firepower upfront, given the floundering showings of Bruce Djite – who has not scored a league goal since February. Although, the Italian may not be considered a starter, Iacopo La Rocca’s versatility is another asset at the 48-year-old’s disposal. He can be deployed as a holding midfielder or as an auxiliary centre-back to safeguard three points in the second-half.
Osama Malik would also be restored to the first XI, despite the flawless outings from youngster Jordan Elsey. The 21-year-old has been an immense presence alongside Dylan McGowan and illustrated experience and composure beyond his years. Nevertheless, he too will continue to excel and eventually work his way into the line-up.
His man management further appears to be paramount. While many pundits and fans scratched their heads in disbelief over Amor’s decision to bench Carrusca for three successive games it has since paid enormous dividends. The Argentine has positively responded to the Barca icon’s demands with the coach now appearing as a tactical genius given the former Galatasaray man has been instrumental the past week.
Adelaide will be hoping its current resurgence is not rendered fleeting when they meet Newcastle at Hunter Stadium on Friday. If the Reds manage a victory it would indicate its season is somewhat officially back on track given they will be in touching distance of the top six and the return of key senior players.
In football anything is possible.
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