United keen to get best out of Diamanti

AFTER scoring just one goal across their opening two games, Western United are considering adjusting skipper Alessandro Diamanti’s role in a bid to recapture their best attacking form.

United have had a slow start to their campaign, with a goalless draw against Adelaide United followed by a 2-1 loss to Melbourne City.

Ahead of tonight’s clash with Perth Glory at GMHBA Stadium, United coach Mark Rudan said while there was no doubt United could get more out of Johnny Warren Medallist Diamanti, he was keen to share the goal-scoring load.

“We’ve just got to be mindful of are we too predictable and is he becoming a player that’s heavily marked and then stopping that next action?” Rudan said.

“So we’re looking at changing things up and we’ll have a look at different scenarios but we certainly want to share the goal scorers – that goes without saying.”

Rudan said he’d focused on getting Diamanti in more dangerous areas to rediscover his connection with striker Besart Berisha.

“We just want him closer to the action, that’s all,” he said.

“We showed him – when he does that and he’s closer to Bes, he scores and he assists and he’s a lot more dangerous and the opposition are a lot more worried.

“But when he drives out or comes out in certain areas which is too far away from Bes (he’s less dangerous).

“Bes needs some help as well. It’s easy to point the finger and say ‘why hasn’t Bes scored?’ but he needs a bit of support and he needs to be serviced as well.”

Rudan played down United’s slow start and expected them to “move up the ladder very quickly” once everything clicked.

Perth kicked off their season by beating Adelaide 5-3 on Wednesday, with Bruno Fornaroli, Andy Keogh and Nicholas D’Agostino forming an impressive attacking trio.

“They’re a dangerous side and they’ve got personnel that can hurt you,” Rudan said.

United will be without Iker Guarrotxena (calf) who pulled up sore after starting on debut last week while Glory’s Diego Castro (leg) will miss again.

Brandon Wilson and Luke Bodnar have been named in Perth’s squad after recovering from injuries.

 

– ANNA HARRINGTON/ AAP