As Gold Coast United comes to terms with its 6-0 thumping at the hands of Wellington, defender Kristian Rees has indicated that morale is still high amongst the United playing group.
Rees, who injured his hip early in the first half of last Sunday’s match, denied that there was any trouble brewing between players and coaching staff, dispelling recent reports that have suggested otherwise.
“Of course after a 6-0 loss the boys are going to be down and disappointed with themselves, everyone is after a loss like that,” Rees said.
“There are definitely no rifts, I was a bit shocked to read that in the papers, but there is no rifts amongst the players, it’s an excellent playing group and the boys really bond well.”
“(The) training sessions we have, have been the best I’ve had since I’ve played football, I’m enjoying my football and from all the other boys I’ve spoken to, they’re really enjoying it as well,” he said.
United initially feared the worst for Rees, believing the centre-back had torn his hamstring, although scans Tuesday afternoon revealed the injury was hip related.
“I originally thought when I did the movement in the game I’d pinged my hammy, but the physio has assured me it’s not my hamstring, which is good news.”
The injury still leaves Rees highly doubtful for this weekend’s clash against state rivals North Queensland Fury, who will go into Saturday night’s match full of self-belief after producing a spirited home win over Perth Glory last weekend.
“They (North Queensland) had a good win, so they will have a bit of confidence going into the game this weekend, off the back of the tough result for us, we just have to pick ourselves up and get back in and work hard at training,” Rees said.
Gold Coast handed the Fury a 5-0 welcoming when both sides met for the first time back in Round 2, but it seems the result will count for nothing as Ian Ferguson’s men continue to work hard on the pitch notching up six points in four matches.
The match is shaping up to be a battle of the sharp shooters with the Hyundai A-league’s top two goal scorers, Shane Smeltz and former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler going head to head. Fowler has scored in the Fury’s last two matches and is sure to take advantage of an under pressure Gold Coast defence.
