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Lavicka: We can turn it around

Lavicka: We can turn it around

09/05/2010 03:06:57 AM

Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka believes his side can recover from their disastrous opening to the season which has seen the Blues equal the club's longest winless streak.

Adelaide United stormed to an impressive 3-1 win at the home of the reigning A-League champions on Saturday night leaving Sydney anchored at the bottom after five rounds.

The rejuvenated Reds, who took outright lead at the top with the victory, held a three-goal lead early in the second half and could easily have enjoyed a bigger winning margin.

Adelaide enjoyed a significant amount of midfield possession in the first half and were a potent threat in the air, while Blues' goalkeeper Liam Reddy was required to make a number of important blocks.

A brace from newly in-form striker Sergio Van Dijk and a classic counter-attacking goal from young gun Matthew Leckie ensured all three points were safely delivered to the city of churches.

Lavicka vowed his side would bounce back from their poor opening to the season. "Last season we showed the face of champions, and we don't give up," he said.

"We have a troubled period at this moment, I agree, but I still believe that we are able to turn and show the face of warriors, like a team which never gives up."

The Czech coach admitted his side had simply been outplayed on the night and struggled to cope with Adelaide's attacking players.

"I am disappointed but I have to say a better team beat us and deserved to win tonight," he said.

"When we conceded the first goal some of the players lost confidence. They (Adelaide) have very good quality players in attack and made big trouble for us, especially (Matthew) Leckie, (Marcos) Flores and (Lucas) Pantelis.

"We had big problems especially with the second ball. We didn't play compact in the midfield.

It doesn't get any easier for Sydney who next weekend have to undergo one of the toughest journeys in the league with a visit to Wellington Phoenix who are still protecting a proud two-year unbeaten run at home.

Lavicka is uncertain if key duo Alex Brosque and Terry McFlynn would be available for next Saturday's visit to the ‘Cake Tin' after several weeks absence through injury.

"We are missing some key players but that is football and I cannot complain about that.

"Some players are playing below their level. I think it is time to make some changes but we must first manage which players will be available for next month.

Adelaide United coach Rini Coolen expressed his delight at both the performance and the result. "We have had two tough away games now but we have created a lot of chances and scored six goals and got six points," said the Dutchman.

"I think the first half maybe we could score easily four or five goals. We did well, we controlled the game. I'm happy not only for the three points but the way we played."

"I was especially happy for Sergio today because he scored two very important goals, but also he was also involved in very good moments of our game."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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