

Marco Kurz says he respected Karim Matmour’s decision to leave Adelaide United for family reasons.

The Algerian midfielder arrived at the Club in August and went on to make 11 appearances in all competitions, before agreeing to mutually part ways with Adelaide.

He played his last match for the Reds against Sydney FC on Friday night.

Kurz revealed when he was informed of the 32-year-old’s decision to return home.

“The first information (he received) from Karim was after the cup final,” he explained.

“He came to me and said that his wife felt homesick and wanted to go home to Germany.

“I was surprised in this moment but the first question from my side was is it a (final) decision or can we help, but she felt better and more comfortable (about returning to Germany).

“… Then I respected the decision from Karim and said to him for the next ten days it’s good to stay here and play and then organise the things you must do.”



Kurz added he initially tried to see if there was anything he could do to help, but stopped once he realised they were certain of their decision.

“I must respect the decision and the meaning from Karim and from Karim’s family,” he said.

“It’s not up to me to understand, everybody is different, but his decision was one hundred per cent and then I stopped the energy to give him help to change his mind.

“When the decision is ready (final) I say okay it’s not good for us, we lose a good player but it’s the decision from Karim and in this moment – I think professionally and look forward.”

Matmour’s departure means a visa spot has now opened up on the Reds’ roster.

Kurz said he is now actively scouting potential replacements, but stressed he will not be rushed into making a signing.

“We have the chance to get a new player, but I think it’s not easy in the season to bring a player to Australia,” he said.

“But we look now to get a new player for our Club.

“We have contacts with agents in other countries in search of a new player.”

In the short-term, Kurz said he has a number of options at his disposal who can fill the void left by Matmour.

“I think he came later (in the off-season) and we saw that we can also play without Karim,” he said.

“In the times he didn’t play, Nathan (Konstandopoulos) played, Vince Lia played so I think we have enough options.”

Adelaide United will face Melbourne Victory in Round 10 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Friday, 8 December at Etihad Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.