Reds coach back after battle with pneumonia

HAVING recovered from pneumonia, Adelaide United coach Carl Veart is now intent on finding a remedy to cure the Reds’ recent A-League woes.

An ill Veart missed his side’s 1-1 home draw with Melbourne Victory last Saturday night, with assistant coach Mark Milligan taking charge.

However, Veart will resume his match duties on Friday night at Coopers Stadium for the Reds’ battle with Macarthur FC

“I had high fever for about four days and then it just took a turn from there, and I had to go into hospital and get all the tests done,” Veart said in explaining his absence.

“Now I’m much better and looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

“I’ve still got to be careful that I don’t over exert myself, so I’ll save it up for (Friday) night.”

Since the A-League’s resumption following its break for the World Cup, the Reds have won just once in six games and have acquired only five points from a possible 18.

“At the moment we’re just holding on to a top-six spot and it’s not where we want to be. We want to be higher up the ladder,” Veart said.

“In the last six weeks our performances just haven’t been good enough, our effort hasn’t been good enough, and the players are well aware of that.

“All of us have to pitch in together and work hard and get ourselves out of this little rut we’re in.

“We’re at home (on Friday night) and generally at home we’ve put on good performances, and that’s what we need (against Macarthur) – a good performance and three points.”

Veart admitted his team was lacking confidence.

“That’s what winning does – it breeds that confidence,” he said.

“The only way you can get that winning feeling is keep working hard.”