With the imminent return of keeper Eugene Galekovic, Adelaide United coach Guillermo Amor has urged Reds fans to forget their win-less run saying now is the time to kick start their season.
The Reds face the fifth-placed Jets at Cooper Stadium on Sunday to conclude Hyundai A-League Round 7.
Last time these two sides met at Coopers, it was one of the most one-sided encounters in A-League history, with the home side putting seven past a hapless Jets in January.
Much has happened since that 7-0 result for both clubs with the Reds now win-less from six and the Jets reinvigorated under former Fulham assistant coach Scott Miller, including a famous win over reigning champions Melbourne Victory.
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The former Barcelona legend and Spanish international midfielder is hoping strong support from the South Australian fans plus the imminent return of Socceroo goalkeeper Galekovic can be the catalyst for a first win this season for a side that finds itself in the unusual position of being bottom of the A-League (L4, D2).
“We need these points. We are at home. We need these three points to give us the confidence,” he told www.a-league.com.au
“But I think this week it is possible to win this game.
“We need the people [the fans] on Sunday. It’s important. The people in the stadium must be with us and go together. This is very important in this moment for us.
“In these last games, the team played well but it was not possible to win.”
On Tuesday, the Reds worked hard at training on their defensive line with assistant coach and former defender Michael Valkanis directing proceedings.
The coaching staff also worked on attacking structures but clearly for a side that’s conceded 15 goals, defence is the area that requires urgent improvement.
And with Galekovic named in the squad for the Jets game, it’s a huge plus for a side that’s now eight points off the six.
“Eugene is important. He’s a man with experience and is in the national team,” said Amor.
After returning from international duty with the Socceroos in mid-October, Galekovic was told he would require an arthroscopy.
His loss has been felt and his potential return could be the catalyst for a more cohesive defensive unit.
“He’s 34 years old, his personality, he’s a great keeper and plays well with his feet, and he hasn’t been here for this time [since October],” said Amor of Galekovic.
The Benidorm-born Amor added the A-League was so even that easy games simply don’t occur and the 7-0 win over Jets last season was a blip.
He didn’t want to pre-empt the Jets’ game plan, which for most of this season has been about excellent organisation and good counter-attack particularly down the flanks.
“This week we are analysing [the Jets] the system and the team. But it’s better to prepare our game and football and to learn and improve from our little mistakes.”
And finally, Amor’s message to the Adelaide faithful is yes they can win on Sunday and they can do it by staying unified on and off the park.
“I think it is our moment,” he said.
