Wollongong-based Giraldi, 25 and now retired from football, was bought by then Reds boss Kosmina in 2006 from Italian club Empoli.

The former Young Socceroo striker also had a brief stint with the Sky Blues under Kosmina in 2008 before quitting the game.

He said “Kossie’s” passion for the Reds combined with his no-nonsense management style is just what the struggling United need right now.

“Kossie can deal with egos, that’s one thing he can do. I know Kossie is very upfront with people and if they want to bring their egos to training, they’ll be sitting in the stands on the weekend,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“I’ve spoken to a few mates who are still there and the biggest problem is getting those fans back on side and playing football with passion.

“It hurt me to watch them the other night and it is hard to say they’re going to win the league but one thing we will see, is a team playing for the city.

“There doesn’t seem to fire in their belly. That’s one thing that Kossie is good at. Kossie just has to the same Kossie we know because that’s when he’s been the most successful.”

Giraldi added that the sacking by the Reds of his former coach after the 6-0 grand final debacle of 2007 and subsequent poor sportsmanship was more about passion for the club.

“Some thought his actions after the grand final weren’t acceptable but I think that’s just the passion he has for the club and the city.

“It probably hurt him to walk away back then but now he can take over again. And the biggest thing for Adelaide now is to inherit that culture again.”

Giraldi though predicted this new Kosmina era would difficult given that many of the players were not signed by the former Socceroo great.

And he doesn’t predict success any time soon. “If Kossie was there from day one, there are probably a few players there who he would’ve not bought,” he said.

But Giraldi was also sympathetic towards outgoing coach Rini Coolen saying the decision to downgrade the Dutchman’s duties to youth development is flawed.

“You just can’t have two chiefs in one camp,” he said.

And despite the Reds hierarchy pushing Coolen’s youth credentials, Giraldi isn’t buying it.

“If that was the case, he should’ve been brought in from day one as youth coach. I don’t think it’ll last and it’s not necessary either.

“But it is degrading to turn around and do that to someone. That’s taking a lot of his pride away.

“If you’re going to sack the guy, then sack him and let him get on with his life – instead of degrading him and put him into a position deep down that he knows he’s just been demoted.”

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