It took a wonder goal to send his team out of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Finals Series, but Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz has few complaints.
Besart Berisha’s acrobatic late strike handed Melbourne Victory a 2-1 win and sent his side through to a semi-final against Sydney FC next weekend.
For Adelaide United, a promising season comes to an end.
“Yeah, well that’s football,” shrugged Kurz afterwards.
“The cross is good, and the quality in the box from the striker, you cannot defend.
“It’s not a mistake, because the body is between [Jordan] Elsey and the ball, and he did it well in this moment.
“And that’s football – sometimes it’s very, very close,” he said.
Despite the loss, the German mentor expressed pride in the way his side played during the game and throughout his first season in charge.
The result may not have gone our way… but let's just appreciate the ball from @isaias_sc8 and finish by @nmileu. #AUFC #MVCvADL #ALeagueFinals
? @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/4QzQy6Gy5M
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) April 22, 2018
“I think it was very close; we got 1-0 in front and after the goal from Nicola, we could have scored a second goal from Baba, but then Victory came back,” said Kurz.
“We are disappointed at the moment because the race for the season is finished, but I’m not disappointed with the playing style from our team the whole season.
“For our young players it was a big experience to reach the finals, and I think it was a good season for us.
“Today [Victory] had more quality in the finishing in the box, and that was the reason for the win.
“From us, all the best for the semi-final for Victory.
“But everybody in Adelaide can be proud for these boys,” Kurz said.
