United have only won one of their opening seven fixtures, with that victory coming in their first round clash against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium.

The Reds suffered a demoralising 3-0 loss against Melbourne Victory last Saturday at Etihad Stadium even with a man advantage.

But despite the poor results so far this campaign Malik insists the wins are just around the corner.

“The results haven’t really gone our away so far,” Malik said. “I think our performances have been a bit better than the results have suggested.

“But that happens in football and we’re pretty confident that things are likely to change pretty soon.

“We’re doing the right things and unfortunately some mistakes have cost us at the moment but we’re working towards a plan and we feel like we’re getting there.”

New head coach Josep Gombau has stated several times he is looking to implement a new style of play and the results in this early stage of his tenure are not relatively important.

Malik added: “I’ve been enjoying my football more in these early rounds since he has come in and more than I’ve enjoyed football for a long time.

“He’s got a clear plan and knows exactly what to do with the team. We are working towards something that I think is going to be pretty special given some time.

“At the moment the players have really bought into it, obviously the results haven’t gone our way but we know that things will turn soon when we get the style right.

“The style of play we’re looking to implement is all about ball possession and we’ve gradually in the games been getting more possession.

“We’ve been having more passes, we’ve been creating more chances and that’s been limiting the times we’ve been conceding so we’re not far away even though it’s been disappointing to be getting the results we have been getting so far.

“The coach always speaks to us. He’s good at reiterating the important things and sometimes even though the results haven’t been great he speaks to us and motivates us and tells us we are on the right track and after a few final tweaks we’ll be fine.”

Adelaide United travel to Melbourne on Sunday to take on fellow strugglers Melbourne Heart, who are yet to pick up a win so far this season.

“Melbourne Heart are a bit similar to us,” Malik said. “They’ve been unlucky and they’ll be looking to turn the tables as well.

“If we can play well and get a good result this weekend then I’m sure it will give the playing group plenty of confidence and we’ll use that in the weeks to come.”

United will be without left-back Cassio this weekend who suffered a hamstring injury just weeks after coming back from another major injury that kept him out for most of pre-season and the start of this campaign.

“You saw when he came in and played against Perth he was quite rapt and that he’s a great leader at the club,” Malik added.

“To have him out again for whatever amount of time that may be is really disappointing not only for the team but for him as well.

“He loves being out there and playing football.”