Adelaide United thrilled with performance of players in ACL win

Adelaide United coach Joe Mullen was thrilled by the performance of the players in the unexpected 1-0 win over reigning Asian champions Pohang Steelers last night.

The Reds managed to turn their poor fortunes of their A-League season around in the opening Asian Champions League group stage match, delighting Mullen.

“It was a very good performance by the players. I thought tonight the defence was very sound…and our attacking movement was good when we could go forward,” Mullen said.

“Certainly the first 15-20 minutes was tough, we knew it was going to be tough, they (Pohang) are a very good football team and we had to weather that storm, and I thought we did that very well.

“To get the goal right at the death of half time was a perfect time to score and that was just through sheer endeavour, commitment and tenacity from (Mathew) Leckie, and I thought that mirrored our performance of the whole team tonight, I thought the players were fantastic.

“I think in the A-League it was fair to say that although the team was playing well in parts, they just failed to score at crucial periods of games and then when they went behind, it’s a self fulfilling prophesy that it’s going to be a tough day at the office.”

Mullen added that recent additions to the squad were important in the win and the fact that had taken three points so early in the competition would only bode well for the players.

“I think with some players of the calibre of a (Sergio) van Dijk and (Marcos) Flores, particularly offensively, it has given the players that belief,” he added.