Why Adelaide United coach Carl Veart won’t change his attacking mindset in the A-League – despite conceding four goals last start

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart won’t mind if his team concede four goals on Saturday against cellar dwellers Brisbane Roar – provided they score five times themselves.

It follows the Reds’ last start 4-4 draw with ladder leaders Auckland FC, which included a 98th minute equaliser from defender Bart Vriends.

Veart’s men have entertained their fans this season, but they have been repeatedly exposed in the final third, conceding 34 goals in 18 matches. 

Only wooden spoon candidates Brisbane (36) and Perth (45) have leaked more goals.

But don’t expect a dour approach from the hosts this weekend at Coopers Stadium. 

‘We are not going to change the way we play,’ a defiant Veart said.

It follows the Reds’ last start 4-4 draw with ladder leaders Auckland FC, which included a 98th minute equaliser from defender Bart Vriends (pictured, right)

‘We want to be an attacking team that scores goals. Sometimes that (approach) leaves us a little vulnerable.

‘I’m happy to take that risk as long as we score more than the opposition.’

Veart also urged his team to be switched on from the outset on home soil – and respect their opponents, who are looking to pick up late points in what has been a testing campaign.

The Roar would have drawn plenty of confidence from their hard fought 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium on March 1. 

Adelaide will welcome back defender Panagiotis Kikianis, who was a key figure at the Under-20 Asian Cup, which the Young Socceroos won.

First choice goalkeeper James Delianov is also tipped to be in the starting XI.

In a significant blow for the away side, Brisbane will be without former Reds winger Ben Halloran and French playmaker Florin Berenguer.

Both elected not to travel to Adelaide to instead stay home with their families to safeguard against Tropical Cyclone Alfred.