Adelaide United captain Travis Dodd said the Reds must be more lethal in front of goal if they are to wipe out the horror 2009-10 A-League season, when United collected the wooden spoon for the first time in its short history.
The Reds managed only 24 goals last season, five less than their nearest rival, North Queensland Fury.
Dodd hopes United can play more attacking this season and, with the right formation and tactics, produce more goals.
“Hopefully we can play a bit more of an attacking brand,” he said.
“Ultimately we need to score more goals than we did last season, it was a pretty poor effort in front of goals and it’s something we really need to work on this year.”
“Hopefully with the formation we put out there we’ve got the right players to do the jobs and we’ll get the result.”
The appointment of Dutchman Rini Coolen, replacing Aurelio Vidmar who took up an assistant role with the Socceroos, has sparked excitement and expectation in Reds’ fans.
Coolen, however, failed to make any promises when he was announced as United’s new coach, saying he can only make do with what is at his disposal.
Although the Reds have lost some star players including Scott Jamieson (Sydney FC), Michael Marrone and Kristian Sarkies (both to Melbourne Heart), United are still strong all over the park according to Dodd.
The captain said the only possible weak spot is in attack with only two recognised but experienced strikers in the squad, Sergio van Dijk and Lloyd Owusu.
Baby Red striker, Francesco Monterrosso, has taken out the Youth League Golden Boot award two years running but has failed to make an impact in only a couple of appearances in the A-League.
“I think we’re reasonably solid throughout the park,” he said.
“We’ve lost a few players from last season but I think we’ve still got players within the squad that can cover positions and do the job that we need.”
“In saying that, we’ve only really got two out and out strikers in the squad in Lloyd and Sergio, and I guess young Frankie Monterosso as well. So, if anywhere I’d say upfront just for cover.”
“But, I’m happy with the squad that we’ve got and hopefully we can go forward and have a good year.”
Coolen returned from his homeland last week and has had limited time with the squad since their opening friendly against Wellington Phoenix where they won 2-0.
Dodd has spent little time on the track with Coolen due to a groin injury but said despite the limited preparation he can see the Dutchman’s potential.
“We’ve had two training sessions with him now and a video session reviewing the game against Wellington,” he said.
“He seems like a very smart coach. I’m looking forward to personally getting out on the pitch and working under him. It’s a little way away but the team is looking good and I’m sure we’ll prosper under him.”
The captain isn’t expected to line up for United’s opening fixture against Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh Stadium on August 6 after undergoing surgery on his groin in the off-season.
“Still a while away I think. I had the surgery six weeks ago and pulled up pretty good from that,” he said.
“I’m just doing a bit more rehab now, I’ve had some other issues with osteitis pubis but I’m hoping to be back in training in three or four weeks time, hopefully sooner and then getting back out on the park for the season.”
