Adelaide United forward Sergio Cirio believes the Reds are just one win away from turning their season around ahead of their important Round 15 clash with Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Thursday.
The reigning champions suffered a 2-0 loss to fierce rivals Melbourne Victory last round and will look to put that defeat behind them in what is a short turnaround between matches.
Cirio lamented the team’s inability to convert their chances into goals, but insisted the Reds can take some positives from the performance.
“I think we played well, we had our chances and I think we need to improve on that (taking our chances),” Cirio said.
“If we can score more chances and also don’t concede as many goals.
“I think we’ll play well if we can keep playing like this and scoring our chances we can get the results.”
The 31-year-old also remains optimistic the Reds’ form will change as soon as they can secure the three points and affirmed morale within the squad is still high.
“When everything goes well it’s very easy to stay together, but everyone is happy,” Cirio said. “But now that the situation is not the best situation is when we have to stay together.
“I know it’s tough because everyone wants to be on top, to be in the top six, to play well and to get the results.
“But we’re working on it very hard every day and if we can stay together it will be easier for everyone.
“I think if we can get one good result it will give us a lot of confidence because it’s the only thing we need and from that point we can only go up.”
Cirio is predicting a fairly even contest with City and called for fans to rally behind the team during what has been a difficult start to the season.
“(Michael) Valkanis knows the club, the players, and also he’s a very good coach,” Cirio continued.
“But I think every time we play against them, it’s been a good game, I think we’ve played well – very well.
“Playing at home in front of our fans we need their support more than ever.
“I think if we can keep playing as we did against Victory and score our chances it’s going to be a good game.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in Round 15 of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season on Thursday, 12 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.