Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica says the A-League leaders are learning how to cope with heat, travel and fatigue.
“It was tough conditions out there,” he said at his post-match media briefing following Auckland FC’s 1-0 win against Macarthur.
“It was our first trip to Sydney. You know, it’s a long trip as well … three-and-a-half hour flight for us.”
Auckland FC created history with their win at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, becoming the first expansion club to win their opening four fixtures.
The side are yet to concede a goal, and lead the Isuzu UTE A-League by two points, with a game in hand on their two nearest challengers.
Of the travel and need to adapt to hot and humid match conditions across the Tasman, Corica said: “One thing we’ve said is there are no excuses for that.
“Wellington come here as well, and got a win as well, but it does take its toll.
“You could probably see by the end that the boys were off their feet but they never gave up,
“Full credit to them, the character they showed defensively. That is what you need from a team, and we’re up top for a reason.
Corica said some of the team’s tiredness came from not having played for three weeks.
“We had the bye, we had the international window and now, another week after that.
“I was a little bit worried in that department because we were on a good momentum for the first three games and it’s nice now to get the fourth game under our belt.”
Auckland FC’s next two fixtures are at home, when Go Media Stadium Mt Smart hosts Newcastle Jets (November 30) and the Wellington Phoenix (December 7).
Giancarlo Italiano … ‘The heat basically zapped the water out of the pitch.’Sydney’s heat was also a factor for the Phoenix who played before Auckland FC at Allianz Stadium, with the temperature measured at 26C at kick-off against Melbourne Victory.
Officials agreed to schedule drinks breaks in both halves to help combat the stifling heat.
“I didn’t realise how hot it was. Even though it was 26, 27, it zaps you inside,” Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano said.
Italiano said the heat dried out the playing surface, causing problems for the players.
“I think the heat basically zapped the water out of the pitch very quickly,” Italiano said.
“I probably counted about 10 people falling over in the first 15-20 minutes. I’ve never seen so many uncharacteristic turnovers from both teams.”
Italiano suggested that when back-to-back games are scheduled on the same pitch, later kick-offs should be considered.
“In Spain, when they have the derbies, the derby is at 11 o’clock and there’s two lead-in games at seven and nine,” he said.
“The quality of the football in the lead-up is great because heat and the pitch never become an issue.
“I’m not saying to start at 11pm but I’m just saying that maybe we can start at a later timeslot.”
Results Men’s A-LeagueGames played on Sunday November 24, 2024
Wellington Phoenix 1 (Kosta Barbarouses 82′) Melbourne Victory 0
WATCH: Highlights from Phoenix men’s A-League win against Victory >>>>
READ MORE: Phoenix forward Kosta Barbarouses scores late winner against former club >>>>
Macarthur 0 Auckland FC 1 (Guillermo May 34′)
WATCH: Highlights from Auckland FC’s A-League win against Macarthur >>>>
READ MORE: Winning double takes New Zealand clubs to top of men’s A-League table >>>>
Table at 12pm (NZT) on Monday November 25. FixtureGame to be played on Saturday November 30, 2024
Men’s A-LeagueAuckland FC v Newcastle Jets Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, Auckland, 5pm (NZT)
Wellington Phoenix — bye
This story was first published on November 25, 2024.
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