Adelaide United boss Marco Kurz is adamant history will count for nothing in Sunday’s do-or-die Elimination Final against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
If the past is anything to go by then the Reds face an uphill battle to survive past the opening week of the Finals Series.
FOR TICKETS AND MATCH INFO CLICK HERE
Adelaide has never beaten Victory in a finals match, will the Reds have also never won a post-regular season game away from home.
That’s a string of seven matches without a win on the road in the finals, where they’ve managed to score only three goals.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5773564401001
Throw in the fact no side from outside the top three has ever qualified for a Hyundai A-League Grand Final and it shows how tough things could be for Kurz’s troops.
But the Reds boss prefers to look forward rather than back.
“The statistic or history for me is not important,” Kurz declared on Friday.
“For me what’s important is that it’s one game, it’s a knockout game against a very strong and experienced team away.
“It’s also not easy because it’s a derby but we’ve the experience from the league game and also the [FFA] Cup game.
“We’ve beaten them two times and also away, a good draw at home and a loss away.
“Victory is the favourite and we’re the underdog but we’re hungry for success and hungry to reach the next round.”
Adelaide enters the finals on the back of a superb 3-2 win over the Wanderers last weekend and have most of their top players fit and in form.
Kurz admits confidence in the squad is extremely high and he urged his side to go to Melbourne with belief and courage in their performance.
“We’re looking forward to it because for us it’s a big success to reach the finals,” the German said.
“We’re one of six teams to play in the finals and we’re happy, we know about the strong game away against Victory.
“But we’re looking forward and I think in one game all can happen and we travel to Melbourne with a lot of trust and belief and confidence in our ability.
“Victory I think they’ve a very good offensive line and are a very strong opponent,” Kurz said.
“But we’re confident and I think each player must give everything in each moment of the game, that we’re brave and we must also eliminate the offensive players and use our chances.”
Kurz confirmed skipper Isaias would come straight back into the starting side having missed the win over the Wanderers.