The Hyundai A-League’s table-topping coach says a slow build-up will be the key to beating the world’s second-best side tonight.
With three wins from three matches this season, Lawrie McKinna is fast re-affirming his reputation as having one of the country’s best football minds. His advice to Graham Arnold on beating Argentina is simple: let the Socceroos settle into the game.
“I think the key is in how we approach it defensively,” McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com.
“I think we should not go in too hard so we can get used to the pace of the game and then start doing what we’ve been working on. I don’t think we can go in and go 100 miles an hour because Argentina have brought their top team and they just won’t let you get into your game so quickly.
“That will just start playing to their strengths. It depends on what team they pick and what formation they put out but generally I’d be cautious and work into it. Argentina have a top player in every position.
“There just aren’t a lot of weaknesses there. When you talk about Argentina and internationals, you just don’t get any. So I’d say don’t go in too hard too quickly so the boys can find their feet and then as the game goes on start coming on stronger.”
McKinna believes the Socceroos’ A-League contingent will shine in tonight’s encounter - and they’ll be led by former A-League stars Michael Beauchamp and David Carney.
“I know he’s an ex-Central Coast boy but I think Michael Beauchamp’s speed at the back and his all-round defence will make him a big presence in the match,” he said.
“But I think a lot of the Aussie-based boys will step up. Archie Thompson will step up and Dave Carney will too if he gets his chance. They can compete at international level. The Asian Cup showed the local boys can perform.”
McKinna is also hopeful that Nik Mrdja’s late call-up to the squad will give the striker another confidence boost after suffering from injuries over the past two seasons.
“Hopefully Nik now realises what his potential is. He should now realise how potentially good he could be. We’ve always known how good he is and now he might realise it himself and it could make him perform even better for the Mariners,” he said.
“I think the key is in how we approach it defensively,” McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com.
“I think we should not go in too hard so we can get used to the pace of the game and then start doing what we’ve been working on. I don’t think we can go in and go 100 miles an hour because Argentina have brought their top team and they just won’t let you get into your game so quickly.
“That will just start playing to their strengths. It depends on what team they pick and what formation they put out but generally I’d be cautious and work into it. Argentina have a top player in every position.
“There just aren’t a lot of weaknesses there. When you talk about Argentina and internationals, you just don’t get any. So I’d say don’t go in too hard too quickly so the boys can find their feet and then as the game goes on start coming on stronger.”
McKinna believes the Socceroos’ A-League contingent will shine in tonight’s encounter - and they’ll be led by former A-League stars Michael Beauchamp and David Carney.
“I know he’s an ex-Central Coast boy but I think Michael Beauchamp’s speed at the back and his all-round defence will make him a big presence in the match,” he said.
“But I think a lot of the Aussie-based boys will step up. Archie Thompson will step up and Dave Carney will too if he gets his chance. They can compete at international level. The Asian Cup showed the local boys can perform.”
McKinna is also hopeful that Nik Mrdja’s late call-up to the squad will give the striker another confidence boost after suffering from injuries over the past two seasons.
“Hopefully Nik now realises what his potential is. He should now realise how potentially good he could be. We’ve always known how good he is and now he might realise it himself and it could make him perform even better for the Mariners,” he said.
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