Reds coach Josep Gombau was pleased to see an end to a three-game losing streak, but was disappointed not claim the maximum points against Glory.
Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau was pleased to see an end to a three-game losing streak, but was disappointed his team could not claim the maximum points against Perth Glory.
United’s 1-1 draw with Glory at nib Stadium eased the pressure slightly on first-year A-League coach Gombau after three straight losses raised questions about his job and coaching style.
Gombau has declared his intentions to build Adelaide into a powerhouse club, but has also stressed that may take up to two years to achieve.
The former FC Barcelona youth team manager again emphasised that point after his team’s gutsy draw in sweltering conditions against Perth.
“I am happy with the way that we played, but I think we had a chance to win three points,” Gombau said.
“We’re not thinking about this point today because we’re building for something in two years’ time.
“Of course it is important to win, but I am not thinking, ‘We lose and now we need to win’. I am thinking more about the way we play.”
Adelaide’s shock 2-1 loss to Newcastle also raised questions about Gombau’s game plan, but United appeared to hold their structure well against Perth and took the lead through Osama Malik early in the first half.
“Last week we played very poor football and I was concerned,” Gombau said.
“Now we play the football that we want to play and we are also bringing in young players, which is good for (their development).
“I am trying to build a style and deliver young players and after next season, it is the season we try to need to be successful.”
However, Glory was able to square the match when unmarked substitute Chris Harold headed the ball into the back of the net from the far post after a corner kick.
Gombau said his team needed to learn from lapses in concentration like that or risk conceding more easy goals.
“It is something that we are working on, but it shows that if you lose concentration you concede a goal,” he said.
“It was our mistake because we were not marking.
“I think we had more chances than (Perth Glory) to win, so we just have to keep working on that for the next week.”
Defender Nigel Boogaard will return from his second suspension of the season for next Saturday’s away clash to Melbourne Victory. Adelaide should also regain Michael Zullo from Socceroos duty.
