Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau insists his club can't compete with their more cashed up bigger city rivals, despite their steady climb up the A-League ladder.
The 3-0 away win over Sydney FC on Saturday lifts Adelaide to fifth as they continue a mid-season surge in which they have lost only one of their past nine games.
Three well-constructed goals against Sydney provided further evidence Gombau's possession-based style is bearing rich fruit for the South Australian club.
While happy with the performance, Gombau stressed it was far from flawless and that his players had made mistakes with some poor passing and decision making.
Gombau says while making the finals this season would be "perfect", he remains committed to a two-year plan for the Reds.
"We know we cannot compete with the big cities, and we cannot compete with the big clubs that are going to spend money and bring marquee players," Gombau said.
When it was suggested they were competing pretty well at the moment, the Spaniard said: "Yes, of course."
A testing draw over the next few weeks is likely to determine whether Adelaide are genuine finals and title contenders.
Four of their next five matches are against the four teams above them on the ladder, starting with Friday's home game with defending champions Central Coast.
Before the current run, Gombau's position came under scrutiny as they went eight games without a win.
This week, it will be Sydney FC coach Frank Farina whose position will be questioned, with Sky Blues fans calling for his head before and during the crushing loss to Adelaide.
Gombau was philosophical about pressure on coaches saying it was part of football, but emphasised the fans and club owners and directors had stuck by him during their slump.
