Corica speaks on red card against Victory and team news ahead of Central Coast Mariners clash.
Steve Corica was sent down the tunnel late in the 2-2 draw against Melbourne Victory for use of insulting language to a match official.
“I got a little bit frustrated with the referee’s decision – there was a ball there that I kicked away, I think the fourth official thought I was kicking it at him, which I wasn’t”, said Corica.
Corica received a one-match touchline ban, jokingly saying that “I’m going to go in The Port” when asked where he’ll be watching Sunday’s match from.
Corica clarified that he didn’t direct any abusive language to the match officials.
“I never swore at the fourth official or anything, I just said well done, that’s it.”
The frustration built for Corica as he felt the referee had missed a few clear fouls near the end of the game.
“There were two fouls that I thought we should have got – Jonty Bidois’ one right on the edge of the 18-yard box, which would have given Lachie Brook a great opportunity to get another goal.
“It was definitely a foul, no doubt about it”, said Corica.
Corica gave a positive update on Nando Pijnaker, who was subbed shortly after 30 minutes against Victory after dislocating his shoulder.
“He doesn’t need any surgery on it, it just popped out, and [Medical staff] popped it back in, but he will be out probably four weeks.”
Pijnaker’s injury will keep him out for the remainder of the A-League season, with Corica hoping the defender will return during Auckland’s Finals run.
“I think so, obviously leading into the finals, it would be nice to finish in the top two. We get that extra week off, it would help not only Nando [Pijnaker], but I think a few other players are due around that time.”
The injury adds to a growing list at Auckland FC alongside Francis de Vries, Jake Brimmer, and Marlee Francois, who are all out long-term.
Guillermo May and Michael Woud will be back in contention this week, having both missed the match against Victory after picking up issues in Adelaide.
“A positive is, Guillermo [May] is back after his concussion, [Woud] could be ready, he’s ticked off a few boxes – he’s still got another few days to go.”
Corica highlighted Jimmy Hilton’s performances as he’s filled in for the Injured Woud over the past two games.
“Jimmy’s [Hilton] done really well in the two games, we haven’t lost under Jimmy, playing two draws.”
Jake Girdwood-Reich missed the match against Victory due to sickness. Corica says he’ll be back with the group before Sunday’s game.
“He had a fever, obviously missed the game on the weekend, he’s better – he’ll join the team on Friday”, said Corica.
Corica spoke about the potential need for cover to be brought in at Left-Back, as De Vries is the only natural in that position at the club.
“We normally try to get two players for every position, and that [Left-Back] was the one we didn’t replace – It’s probably an area we need to look at.”
