Adelaide United coach John Kosmina says Argentine import Jeronimo Neumann has not been affected by allegations that he dives after taking a contentious fall in last week’s win over Wellington Phoenix.
Adelaide United coach John Kosmina says Argentine import Jeronimo Neumann has not been affected by allegations that he dives after taking a contentious fall in last week’s win over Wellington Phoenix.
Jeronimo was closing in on goal after being put through when Phoenix defender Big Sigmund made contact with the attacking midfielder’s arm.
The South American took an overzealous tumble resulting in a red card for Sigmund.
Wellington coach Ricki Herbert and captain Andrew Durante did not hide their displeasure with Jeronimo in their frank and forthright post-match assessments, before deciding to remain tight-lipped during the week.
Despite their silence, Jeronimo remained at the forefront of another debate this week on whether simulation is continuing to ruin and bring the world game into disrepute.
Although Jeronimo’s name and reputation have been tarnished this week, Kosmina said the overseas star had dealt with the intense media focus comfortably.
“I don’t think he (Jeronimo) would be fazed too much about it … he hasn’t trained any differently to how he did last week,” Kosmina said.
“He’s a fairly sort of resilient character and the players have put their arm around him.
“Jeronimo’s Jeronimo and he will get on with the job and that’s it.
“As I said before, Ben Sigmund put his hands on Jeronimo and that’s a cardinal sin for a central defender when you are running back towards goal.”
Kosmina was also not surprised that the diving debate had continued to rage.
The former Sydney FC coach preferred to see the positive side of the added attention for the A-League.
“It’s not a debate that hasn’t happened before, it’s not a topic that hasn’t been brought up before and it’s not a topic that won’t be brought up in the future,” Kosmina said.
“There’s always debate over it, and while there’s debate I think that’s healthy when people are talking about your sport – that’s a good thing.
“Any publicity is good publicity.”
Adelaide will take on Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday and have only one possible change to make to the side that defeated Wellington 3-1 last Saturday.
Vice-captain Cassio has a stomach bug and will be assessed late while Nigel Boogaard will be included in the travelling party to replace the Brazilian if needed.
Kosmina has enjoyed the favouritism his side have received this season sitting atop the table, but he warned it was too early to suggest the Reds were title favourites.
“It’s nice to have the points and it’s nice to be at the top. It-s a good feeling, you can thrive on that … but by the same token you have got to have some perspective about it,” Kosmina said.
“It’s probably a bit premature to be really honest. If halfway through the season we are still travelling this well, then good, but at the moment it’s only four games (into the season).”
