After conceding 17 goals in pre-season, assistant coach Mark Milligan quitting the club and Adam Federici retiring, Ante Milicic could have been forgiven for coming into this A-League Men season with a sense of trepidation.
Yet Milicic’s Macarthur have maintained their undefeated start to their campaign after stubbornly repelling Sydney FC at Kogarah Oval on Saturday to claim a 1-0 win, courtesy of a first-half Lachie Rose goal.
It follows their 1-1 opening round draw against Wellington Phoenix and has left Milicic convinced his side has turned a corner.
“We conceded 17 goals in four A-League friendly games,” he said.
“And I know friendly games are one thing and the A-League’s another thing, but in the end we addressed it quickly.
“We made some decisions in the last few months (and) it’s been a difficult time for us at the football club.
“But at no stage did we lose confidence or belief in our ability. A lot of clubs go through a bit of turbulence and we’re no different.
“We’re heading in the right direction, and we believe we’ve still got a lot more to offer.”
Key to their fortunes on Saturday was the form of goalkeeper Filip Kurto, who kept the likes of Adam Le Fondre and Patrick Wood at bay as the Sky Blues went in search of a late equaliser.
Kurto, who made his club debut against the Phoenix last week, has had a bumpy start to life as a Bulls player and often handed goal kick duties over to his centre backs.
“His last game was in March and he was with us for two sessions last week,” Milicic said. “He had food poisoning before the Wellington game.
“When you miss that much football, I don’t like my players kicking long distances.
“Is there any science behind it? I’m not sure, but that’s just me, I don’t want to take any risks in that department.
“He’s a good goalkeeper and we had to move quickly. He’s very determined to do well.
“Last week he’s in a hotel, he’s sick, he’s got his wife and his son here and there’s a lot going on but on game day he’s focused.”
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Seriously a U16 NPL side would have dicked Sydney last night
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Macarthur start has been extremely interesting in both good and bad ways. On the good ledger they have tremendous midfielders with good engines. De Silva foremost, Davilla, Mwoomba and Oar. Lachlan Rose very hard working, has come up with 2 goals, might not be the most skillful striker but he makes up for it with good runs and hard work. Certianly a much better prospect than never in the right place Juric. On the bad ledger you had the use of Meredith as a wing back, their oversized and slow defenders , Craig Noone as a wing back instead of a winger, the worst of all Mutch from WSW who looks a hell of a lot bigger than he did at WSW and started the first match. Phoenix hung back for some reason and were cautious and missed the opportunity to win the first match against a bloated and vulnerable Macarthur. Milicic changed things dramatically against Syndey FC he started all 4 good midfielder left out Mutch , didnt have Meredith and the result was dramatically different, they were dominated possesion by Sydney FC but much more capable of defending against a better team. It depends what path Milicic , if he goes back to the rubbish he had starting the first match and in the pre season they will struggle otherwise they could be a threat.