Adelaide United defender Nigel Boogaard has heaped praise on coach John Kosmina for allowing the Reds to play a free flowing brand of football.
Since Kosmina’s re-appointment in mid-December, Adelaide have remained unbeaten in five games and look a shadow of their early-season former selves.
The Reds are now commended for their sharp movement, both on and off the ball, and their attacking prowess rather than being accused of looking rigid, flat-footed and uncreative under former coach Rini Coolen.
Adelaide has more than doubled their season goal tally since Kosmina returned five weeks ago with nine goals compared to the meagre eight mustered in the first 11 games.
With a number of players recently crediting Kosmina for the renewed confidence at the club, Boogaard chose to single out the former Sydney FC coach’s tactical nous instead.
Boogaard suggested the freedom the players were given by Kosmina to express themselves on the pitch has played a role in the team’s turnaround.
“Everyone has freedom across the park as long as we stay disciplined and know our roles … we are free to play football,” Boogaard said.
“When you are encouraged and confident, you know what other players around you are doing, so you might take a few more risks.”
“We know our roles … the boys have a lot of confidence and that’s obviously come through our performances.”
Adelaide will look to continue their rich vein of form against league leaders Central Coast at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Mariners however are also enjoying an unbeaten run of 14 games that dates back to October and includes 11 wins.
Boogaard, a former Mariner, will return to Gosford for the just second time since parting ways with the club at the end of the 2009-10 A-League season.
The 25-year-old said the Reds were looking forward to the daunting challenge of toppling the Mariners.
“The boys are excited – it’s obviously a challenge – they (Central Coast) are in quite some form at the moment … and have been very dominant this season,” Boogaard admitted.
“Our form lately is quite good and we know if we concentrate on what we can do, then we will get a result.”
Boogaard however played down the personal significance of squaring up against his former team, suggesting there were no scores to settle.
“You want to prove yourself every game (regardless of the opposition) and prove to not only the opposition, but your own supporters what you can offer,” Boogaard said.
“But it is always good to play against players you know quite well, you know their little traits and what they like to do … I’m looking forward to it.”
“I was there for a long time and I had a lot of good friends in and around the club, so it’s always good to go there and get a result and show the home crowd I’ve still got it.”
