Valkanis targeting quick response

Adelaide United interim coach Michael Valkanis believes Friday’s clash with Melbourne Victory could be the tonic to revive their season.

United have suffered a turbulent few weeks on and off the pitch since celebrating the New Year with a 3-0 victory over Sydney FC.

On the park, the Reds have won just one out of five fixtures in 2013 while whispers of backstabbing and in-fighting at board and management level in the corridors of Hindmarsh Stadium forced former coach John Kosmina to resign last week.

Kosmina’s shock resignation was followed by a crushing 4-2 loss to the Western Sydney Wanderers six days later to cap off one of the darkest weeks in Adelaide’s history.

Despite slipping to fourth, Valkanis is adamant United can rebound and halt a three-game losing streak against their rivals and fellow finals aspirants Melbourne Victory.

The 38-year-old said a win would lift spirits within the camp.

“For our group, there’s no better game to turn things around … it’s a great opportunity for the guys,” Valkanis said.

“They’ve been through a downer … and they were bitterly disappointed last week with the result, but you can’t be more motivated to play Melbourne Victory.

“It’s a big game and it’s a great stage to turn things around, and I think the boys are really looking forward to it.

“They’ve been focused this week. It’s been a short week which is a good thing as well.

“That’s the beautiful thing about sport – you can sort things out quickly when a game comes around quickly.

“They’ve got an opportunity to do that and begin their preparation towards finals.”