Reds Can't Relax Yet: Kosi; A-League

KronicalÃ‚â„¢ · 01-17-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Reds can't relax yet: Kosi
Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 12:39PM
Marcus Wilson, Sportal

Adelaide United coach John Kosmina is happy his side has secured its place in the final series but admits the Reds have a battle on their hands to hold onto second spot.

United are two points clear of their rivals but could surrender the double chance if they lose to Central Coast, and the reigning champions or the Queensland Roar record a victory in their clash.

Kosmina said Central Coast will be a difficult team to beat - especially now they are unable to make the finals.

"You've got to be wary of teams like that don't you? Especially the Coast because they've been a side that's been out of luck," Kosmina said.

"They are a bunch of good pros and I know Lawrie McKinna will have them pumped up for next week.

"They'll want to finish the season on a good note.

"We can't go there just saying, 'we are in the finals' and that's good enough."
United may also have to change its personnel for the Round 21 clash - Jason Spagnuolo came off the ground with a calf strain against Sydney and is expected to miss some of the Reds' early training sessions this week.

Kosmina conceded he'd consider resting Spagnuolo for the team's final minor round game.

The loss of Spagnuolo would be a blow for the Reds but some positive performances from his team mates mean the club have the depth to cover him.

Kosmina was particularly pleased with the efforts of skipper Ross Aloisi who has struggled at times this season.

"Ross took Stevie Corica out of the game and then they tried other people and he took them out of the game," he said.

"It's the best Ross has played for a long time."

And the United coach said Diego had also shown he could be a quality pick-up for his side after shining in his short stint against Sydney FC.

"I think he proved that for the time he was on the park Ã‚â€¦he had 25 minutes and he had a big impact on the game," he said.

"When you've got someone like that in your squad, you've got to make the most of them, you've got to use them - he'll get better."

While he's focussed on the game against Central Coast, Kosmina did issue a warning to top side Melbourne Victory if they do clash in the first round of finals.

"If we end up second we play them and we get a double chance and we won't need it," he said.

Credit - A-League.com.au

Reds Can't Relax Yet: Kosi; A-League

This is a discussion on Reds Can't Relax Yet: Kosi; A-League within the European Sports forums, part of the Sports Forums category; Reds can't relax yet: Kosi Monday, 15 January, 2007 - 12:39PM Marcus Wilson, Sportal Adelaide United coach John Kosmina is ...