Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg says German midfielder Peter Perchtold needs time to adjust to the demands of the Hyundai A-League.
The 26-year-old, who has previously played for Stuttgart and most recently Nurnberg in the German Bundesliga, was largely a peripheral figure during his 65-minute debut in United’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Wednesday night.
And, while up front when quizzed about his new buy, Bleiberg said Perchtold’s performance was a sign the league’s level is largely underestimated.
“Peter didn’t play well, don’t muck around, we don’t hide from that fact,” Bleiberg said.
“It’s hard to adjust, not everybody from Europe can play in the A-League straight away. You’ve got Peter who came from German football which is even closer to our football than South America for example and he was out of breath after 60 minutes, the game was too quick for him.”
“Last year he was at Stuttgart who won the Bundesliga Championship, he came here and felt lost, not because he doesn’t have the ability, because of the pace of the game and playing against true-blue Aussie players like Wayne Srhoj and (Matt) Thompson.”
“I think as much as it didn’t work in our favour that Peter didn’t save the country today, but that shows the quality. Not everybody can adapt straight away, Johnny Curtis played with (David) Beckham, (Teddy) Sheringham, but struggled against (Aziz) Behich and (Adrian) Zahra all day last time we were here. Today he was good.”
“Look at (Carlos) Hernandez, he was close to a disaster ’til he picked himself up, everybody talk about the guy from Adelaide – (Marcos) Flores, he didn’t come this year, he came last year and was almost unseen.”
Bleiberg was at his quotable best when asked to describe his thoughts on the draw with Heart which leaves United sitting fourth on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
“At the end of the day, it’s like when you go to a restaurant, it doesn’t matter what you eat for entree or main dish, the dessert is what’s left in your mouth,” Bleiberg said.
“I’m disappointed because we got two or three chances in the last few minutes, I felt that we deserved to win it, but I’m smart enough and old enough to realise that over the 90 minutes they can claim for the same amount.”
In more news, Bas van den Brink has ended speculation surrounding his future by announcing he’ll join Korean outfit Busan I’Park FC next season.
The versatile Dutchman has been one of Gold Coast’s standout performers this season, impressing both in central defence, before reaching another level when drafted mid-season to play as an attacking midfielder.
