Adelaide United face another tough trip to Brisbane

Adelaide United face another tough trip to Brisbane

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With Adelaide United’s campaign going from bad to worse following its disastrous 3-1 defeat to Perth Glory last time out, another difficult voyage against the Brisbane Roar awaits them on Saturday.

There is no hiding from the fact that Adelaide’s performances this season are yet to resemble any signs of promise or encouragement after three league matches. Winless in three games, it is the South Australians’ worst ever start to a season producing just two points. Fans are beginning to grow disgruntled with what they have seen so far and if the recent form is a precedent, it does not look like changing anytime soon. Although the Reds looked sharp throughout preseason and the FFA Cup, prior to the loss to Melbourne Victory, it was exactly that – preseason.

That setback to their arch-rivals in September seemed to have knocked the proverbial wind out of them and they have not recovered since. An insipid scoreless draw against the same outfit two weeks later on the opening round was succeeded by a marginally improved 1-1 stalemate with Western Sydney Wanders in round two. After mustering consecutive draws, United played its inaugural away fixture of the season versus the Glory proving the biggest surprise. Not merely because of the scoreline, but the fashion in which they were ruthlessly exposed.

Naturally the visitors dominated possession, implementing their ‘tiki-taka’ style of play synonymous with the Reds. However, it manifested itself to no avail with pass after pass generally going sideways or backwards inside Adelaide’s half. Kenny Lowe deserves a great deal of credit for getting his tactics spot on for the hosts, opting to absorb pressure for large periods and break with an impetus not yet witnessed this year. All of Perth’s goals came via the counter-attack, catching Adelaide on the break in transition, exploding forward in a heart-beat.

Boss Guillermo Amor had no answers to curtail the Glory from breaking the lines, and after throwing an extra man forward attempting to salvage a point it inevitably meant the Reds were even more vulnerable to conceding. The high risk verse high reward strategy failed to pay dividends, indicative of a side that never really knew how to unlock two banks of four in front of goalkeeping veteran Ante Covic.

Amor along with his coaching staff will need to develop some fresh ideas if they are to beat an impressive Brisbane team since John Aloisi took the reins over the winter. The Reds do have an admirable record traveling to the Sunshine state with their previous four visits since 2012 yielding nine points from a possible 12. But that counts for precious little, given how lacklustre and the lack of imagination in the final third. Despite a Brisbane side succumbing to its maiden defeat against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand, they were auspicious in advanced areas – potentially causing Adelaide headaches at the back.

Adelaide are sweating on the fitness of Djite
Adelaide are sweating on the fitness of Djite

While the Spanish coach can attribute some of his problems to injury, using that as the sole excuse would be naive and an easy get out of jail free card. Striker Bruce Djite has been battling a groin complaint, but could finally return to face the Roar, though Iacopo La Rocca and Eli Babalj remain long-term absentees as they battle respective foot injuries. Sure it is not ideal for the Barcelona legend that these aforementioned players have spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, but irrespective of his minimal coaching pedigree he does not have to be told that that is part and parcel of the game.

Although injuries are out of Amor’s control, he does possess control over his side’s tactics. Finding a solution to aid the misfiring Sergio Cirio will be crucial to the club’s aspirations of being competitive this term. The 30-year-old has been deployed in every attacking position in the front three, due to the injuries sustained by his teammates. It is no secret Cirio’s best role is when he is on the left cutting inside on that favoured right foot in comparison to featuring as a number nine. If the Spaniard can promptly reignite his season then Adelaide have chance of making the top six.

Another disappointing result will continue to mount unwanted pressure on the shoulders of Amor, who is still yearning for his first A-League win as a professional manager.

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