Third time the charm for Melbourne Victory in Asia?
Roar Guru By Davidde Corran, 1 Mar 2011 Davidde Corran is a Roar Guru
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Tonight Melbourne Victory will become only the second Australian side to compete in the Asian Champions League for a third time when they take on 2008 Champions Gamba Osaka at Expo 70 Stadium. Unlike Adelaide United, the only other team to achieve this feat, the Victory have never made it out of the group stage of Asia’s premier competition.
Yet on the eve of stepping onto the continental stage once again, Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick seemed quite nonplussed about his side’s relative lack of success in Asia.
”It has never been a source of motivation for me,” explained the 58-year-old.
“Having a team that does well in the domestic competition is first of all your primary aim.
“But I have to say I would love to do well with this team in Asia, to show that Melbourne Victory is a team that could be a force in Asia. That is more for the club than me.”
Yet surely it would be unacceptable for a club with Melbourne Victory’s resources and squad to find itself out at the group stage for the third time in a row?
Having said that, while the ACL remains the only real blight on his impressive record as coach of the Victory, I don’t expect Merrick’s time to be brought to a premature end if the Victory fail at the first hurdle again.
The real test of whether the Scotsman will receive a new contract will come in the A-League next season.
Meanwhile, a strong start to their ACL campaign will be crucial to the Victory as right now the Australian teams have a big advantage over their East Asian counterparts – match fitness.
With the J-League, K-League and Chinese Super League all yet to kick off, you can expect Victory’s opponents to tire as the opening fixtures go on.
At the same time Melbourne’s players should be slightly refreshed having enjoyed a two break on the back of a challenging and long season and, if their workloads have been managed right, should be able to push Gamba physically until the final whistle.
A point that’s made all the more important as match fitness will also become a concern for the two time A-League champions as the group stage goes on and a lack of regular competitive football takes its toll.
If Merrick’s men fail to garner positive results in their opening games, I fear their third ACL campaign will end just as its predecessors did – in disappointment.
March 1st 2011 @ 7:59am
David said | March 1st 2011 @ 7:59am | Report comment
Good luck to them but i doubt they will make it out the group, they definitely probably get pumped tonight against Gamba.
March 1st 2011 @ 8:12am
Brendo51 said | March 1st 2011 @ 8:12am | Report comment
“Yet surely it would be unacceptable for a club with Melbourne Victory’s resources and squad to find itself out at the group stage for the third time in a row?”
Strange comment Davidde, you usually have a good grip on reality but this comment reeks of Australian arrongance.
The reality is Melbourne Victory and all A-League sides are under resourced and their squad’s second best when it comes to competition in Asia. We are the minnows of our groups and when we do progress it is against all expectation.
I hope Melbourne does really well tonight, a draw would be a amazing result but I am not expecting it.
March 1st 2011 @ 11:47am
Davidde Corran said | March 1st 2011 @ 11:47am | Report comment
Sorry Brendo51, that wasn’t written with “arrogance”.
Three of the eight Australian sides to have entered the ACL have progressed through to the knockout stage. In fact since the tournament structure changed to allow the top two teams in a group to progress, half the Australian teams have gone through.
Meanwhile Victory has the experience to understand both the on field and off field challenges Asian football provides, the resources to manage the travel and a playing roster with enough talent to be more then competitive.
I don’t expect Australian teams to be regularly challenging for the title but three attempts should be more then enough to find some success in the early stages of the competition. In my opinion to expect anything less would be selling Australian football short.
March 1st 2011 @ 8:25am
agga78 said | March 1st 2011 @ 8:25am | Report comment
We (MVFC) are always going to struggle in Asia, as we always get pumped by well organised sides, who know how to keep their shape for 90 minutes, Victory has always profited from the space given in midfield from other A league teams, but when they go to Asia the teams keep it really compact and Victory can’t play the counter attacking football which has been so successful in the A league.
I here Muscat is coming straight back into defence, what a joke of a decision, Victory’s back 3 has looked a lot better without him, but he does run the team, so it is no suprise.I hope we get a draw, but I give us little hope in Japan.
March 1st 2011 @ 8:35am
Australian Football said | March 1st 2011 @ 8:35am | Report comment
I can’t see Melb Victory progressing thru the 1st group stage of the ACL whilst Ernie Merrick is their manager. Ernie’s football philosophy just doesn’t work in Asia.
March 1st 2011 @ 8:58am
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 1st 2011 @ 8:58am | Report comment
Actually, Ernie’s philosophy worked a lot better against Gamba Osaka in 2008 than AUFC’s philosophy.
In 2008, Gamba Osaka won the ACL and we can actually compare “like with like” since both MVFC and AUFC played Gamba Osaka at Home and Away.
Results against 2008 ACL Champions Gamba Osaka
MVFC: Lost 3-4 (home) Lost (0-2) Away
AUFC: Lost 0-2 (home) Lost (0-3) Away
So, we see Ernie’s philosophy was more effective than Vidmar’s strategy – BOTH at home and away.
Whilst MVFC smashed 3 goals past Gamba Osaka, AUFC never scored one goal. In 2008, MVFC finished 2nd in the Group, which would be enough to qualify for under the new ACL format and, in my opinion, MVFC’s team this campaign is technically and mentally stronger than the 2008 team.
Finally, it’s interesting to note that on both previous occasions when MVFC has participated in the ACL, the Champions of Asia – the best team in Asia – has been in MVFC’s group.
March 1st 2011 @ 9:23am
Australian Football said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:23am | Report comment
Wonderfully rationalised and spoken like the old Michael C of Australian Football; how could I be so foolish..?
March 1st 2011 @ 9:58am
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:58am | Report comment
After watching THAT UCL final in 1999, I know the power of positive thinking and … never give up until that final whistle is blown (of course, it also helps to have Becks curling in a few decent corners)!
I’m sure most pundits never thought Birmingham had even a microscopic chance of winning the League Cup yesterday, after the Gunners beat Barcelona 2 weeks ago … football, it’s a funny game – although too often leads to tears and heartache.
March 1st 2011 @ 2:41pm
David V. said | March 1st 2011 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
Two losses are still two losses. You really are a spin merchant extraordinaire.
March 1st 2011 @ 2:51pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 1st 2011 @ 2:51pm | Report comment
Where is the spin?
I’ve actually stated we lost both games. You really aren’t very bright are you? You and Melb Heart make a terrific match.
March 1st 2011 @ 8:33pm
Matsu said | March 1st 2011 @ 8:33pm | Report comment
The spin is trying to compare two pool round matches that BOTH were already in the books before Gamba even had three competitive domestic matches under its belt to get a rhythm to the season (and certainly was not putting a 100% effort into), with the semifinal home-and-away which was played in the middle of Gamba’s season and for stakes high enough to motivate a reasonably full effort.
THis doesnt just go for Gamba, to be sure. At some point, A-League fans are going to have to wake up to the fact that the ACL is viewed as a lesser priority, to teams elsewhere on the continent. Those who make it to the quarter- or semi-finals probably do put in a serious effort, but in pool rounds they are just trying to stay healthy and steal points with as little fuss as possible, while saving their energies for their domestic leagues. In that sense, the best part of this article were the comments Merrick made about the domestic results being more important. Its good to know that at least one A-League coach has his priorities straight.
March 1st 2011 @ 10:51am
RedOrDead said | March 1st 2011 @ 10:51am | Report comment
Fuss, Aust. Football wasn’t comparing MVFC to AUFC, he was just saying, “Ernie’s football philosophy just doesn’t work in Asia” – nothing to do with AUFC! Whether MVFC scored against Gamba Osaka or not or whether they scored more goals than AUFC is irrelevant, MVFC have not been passed the group stage, whereas AUFC have
March 1st 2011 @ 2:54pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 1st 2011 @ 2:54pm | Report comment
RoR
Sure, then you have to agree no one’s philosophy works in Asia apart from those who have been Champions?
The FACT remains that Ernie’s philosophy achieved more against the Champions of Asia in 2008 than Vidmar’s philosophy. Yet, Vidmar’s team made the final of the ACL.
March 3rd 2011 @ 8:10pm
Ben of Phnom Penh said | March 3rd 2011 @ 8:10pm | Report comment
Perhaps Fuss instead of taking comfort in selective statistics you need to look at what Newcastle & Adelaide did in relationship to their preparation for games, the homework they did on teams and their player preparation & maintenance that enabled them to get out of the group stage. See which aspects were different from Victory’s and which you feel the club should be adopting in order to strengthen their campaign.
March 3rd 2011 @ 8:55pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 3rd 2011 @ 8:55pm | Report comment
BoPP
You’re kidding when you mention Newcastle??
Comparing Newcastle & MVFC’s 1st attempt at the ACL
Group Stage:
Newcastle: W:3 D:1 L:2 GD: +1
MVFC: W:2 D:1 L:3 GD:-1 (note: MVFC would have qualified for the Round of 16 with this result as Newcastle did when the rules were changed the following season)
So, Newcastle won one more game, but then …
…. Newcastle got smashed 6:0 by the eventual Champions in the Round 16 (one game knock-out away from home).
And, you want us to look at Newcastle for guidance…!!??
Wow. I reckon MVFC is quite adept at getting smashed away from home without looking to Newcastle for tips!
I think we’re over-analysing the situation. I was certainly hoping for a draw, but in reality, MVFC were always going to get beaten by Gamba.
It’s a bit like the opening game at the 2010 WC … I was hoping for a draw against Germany, but reality said we’d be beaten.
The only thing that was shocking was the size of the defeat … in both Osaka and Durban.
And, in both scenarios, I have no doubt that, IF the manager had a better structure & organisation on the day, the defeat would have been lessened.
March 1st 2011 @ 9:03am
Midfielder said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:03am | Report comment
Good luck Fuss
March 1st 2011 @ 9:21am
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:21am | Report comment
Thanks, Middy … we’ll need every bit of luck and every bit of Muskie’s “sleight of hand and foot”
March 1st 2011 @ 9:15am
Sleigher said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:15am | Report comment
How on earth will Melbourne ever compete in Asia if this is the man meant to guide and motivate them.
It has never been a source of motivation for me,” explained the 58-year-old.
“Having a team that does well in the domestic competition is first of all your primary aim.
“But I have to say I would love to do well with this team in Asia, to show that Melbourne Victory is a team that could be a force in Asia. That is more for the club than me.”
March 1st 2011 @ 10:25am
Futbanous said | March 1st 2011 @ 10:25am | Report comment
Nuff said. If Ange said this, I would lose respect for our coach. You should be aiming for the highest mountain & thats not the A-league.
March 1st 2011 @ 10:56am
RedOrDead said | March 1st 2011 @ 10:56am | Report comment
Haha, that is too true! The way I’ve interpreted that quote is that he has no confidence in his team being successful in Asia and he’s already conceding defeat! So if MVFC don’t make it passed the group stage AGAIN, he’ll just revisit that comment, “well I did say it has never a source of motivation for me”!
What’s even worse is that Victory finished in 5th in the domestic competition and were eliminated in the first round of the finals so if he fell so short of his “primary aim”, good luck in Asia MVFC!
March 1st 2011 @ 9:29am
Mahony said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:29am | Report comment
Got to have faith – but we are massive underdogs and not just becasue we are away. Having said that, Melbourne do have the ability if everything goes right for them to cause an upset, but rarely in football does everything go right for a team over 90′……. Regardless, it is great to have the ACL to turn my attention to after a rather indifferent performance in the league….
March 1st 2011 @ 9:55am
TomC said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:55am | Report comment
Very tough draw for MV. I wouldn’t expect any Australian team to get out of this group.
But if they can pinch a draw tonight that might just set them up for the later games.
March 1st 2011 @ 8:56pm
seanoroo said | March 1st 2011 @ 8:56pm | Report comment
Not sure if this is taboo or not on this site but someone through us a link, we all cant afford foxtel, anyway got faith in MVFC confidence not so much but the faiths there, good luck tonight boys.
March 1st 2011 @ 9:08pm
Titus said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:08pm | Report comment
http://www.fromsportcom.com/v-2/0/12/v-201245.html
Sssschhhh!
March 1st 2011 @ 9:12pm
Titus said | March 1st 2011 @ 9:12pm | Report comment
Lol, Melbourne are terrible! sorry Fuss.
Hope Sydney can restore some pride.
March 1st 2011 @ 10:59pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 1st 2011 @ 10:59pm | Report comment
Wow … that was embarrassing. I’m stunned. I knew our defence was rubbish and now the whole of Asia also know that.
I’ve stood by Merrick in recent years b/c we always got results.
But, as far as I’m concerned, the harsh reality is Merrick is not a coach/trainer – by all accounts, he’s probably an excellent man manager.
Craig Foster in the SMH last week-end explained the difference b/w management & coaching; and the difference between focusing on players to focusing on a system.
Management is concerned with maximising human resources and largely focuses on individual and group dynamics; while coaching requires greater tactical insight and competency on the training ground to see and solve problems.
Merrick is a “manager”; Arnold, Postegoglou are coaches/trainers.
MVFC has no structure or system – it was so obvious tonight that the players have not been given tasks so they don’t know where they’re meant to be and are never in the right spot for the passes.
We know František Straka is looking for a job … the thing is the hierarchy at MVFC are too slow to act – which gives stability but also hinders change.
If I hadn’t already bought my ACL tickets I wouldn’t bother turning up to watch Merrick’s rubbish again … very disillusioned.
March 1st 2011 @ 11:32pm
David V. said | March 1st 2011 @ 11:32pm | Report comment
“MVFC has no structure or system” has been the case since day one- since the reliance on individuals to turn games has been lock, stock and two smoking barrels.
What this season and tonight’s game has shown is that Merrick is simply not up to it in a higher level environment, which is what the ACL is and the A-League is becoming. The notion that Merrick is behind the times was knocked back by ardent defenders who pointed to results up to last season, but the fact that he has had his share of failings both in the A-League and ACL to match his successes would bear testament to that.
It is time for Melbourne Victory to do what the Roar, Mariners and Adelaide United have all done, and replace a stale coach.
March 1st 2011 @ 11:35pm
David V. said | March 1st 2011 @ 11:35pm | Report comment
And one other thing: Muscat was directly responsible for the first two goals, highlighting why he should have quit a long time ago. Giving Franjic a taste of ACL would have been better.
March 1st 2011 @ 11:50pm
asanchez said | March 1st 2011 @ 11:50pm | Report comment
Fuss
Merrick has never been a good coach or manager. He’s a top class youth coach, his best talents are with kids up to youth level. Been a MVFC member for 6 seasons, and even with all our success, never thought he was much chop. Can’t take his titles away, and credit to him for that.
I think he has one more season to prove his worth, because with Ange only contracted for 1 more season at the Roar, I honestly think our board would be seriously following that contract saga!
Just this season, we have seen the league taken up a notch, and we couldn’t keep up. Merrick’s lack of tactics were badly exposed.
I will only turn up for the ACL matches out of respect for Muscat, and what hes done for our club and the league!
Also, the other 2 teams in the group don’t look as tough as Gamba, we may have a chance to skim through…
March 1st 2011 @ 11:59pm
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 1st 2011 @ 11:59pm | Report comment
The thing that really irks me is that, on paper, we have some of the cream of the A-League. Whey did on earth did Merrick start with Pondeljak?
Why not do what any decent coach does away from home and play a conservative defensive game and try to keep them honest on the counter attack?
I would’ve not started with Allsop and would have had Archie up front on his own and Kruse behind him.
———-Petkovic (although I’d now prefer Velaphi) ———–
Foshini——Franjic——Muscat (although I’d rather Vargas)—-Kemp
Surat——–Leijer———-Ferreira
—————-Angulo—————-
————-Robbie K————–
————-Archie—————-
March 2nd 2011 @ 12:25am
Nathan said | March 2nd 2011 @ 12:25am | Report comment
“MVFC has no structure or system – it was so obvious tonight that the players have not been given tasks so they don’t know where they’re meant to be and are never in the right spot for the passes.”
Melbourne Glory?
Many condolences to the Vics, it was a tough ask.
March 2nd 2011 @ 8:47am
Australian Football said | March 2nd 2011 @ 8:47am | Report comment
It was stated that Merrick does not value the ACL above the Championship… Well if that statement is true—I think we saw last night why his Football Philosophy has been described as naive and stagnant at best. A manager should be ambitious and in tune with ACL Football—then the Championships and the Premier’s Plates will look after themselves. Football Managers have to and must think big today to get real football success.
March 3rd 2011 @ 8:20pm
Ben of Phnom Penh said | March 3rd 2011 @ 8:20pm | Report comment
I agree AF, it is his chance as a professional to mix it with some of the best in the confederation. Every manager and player should be focused on it.
Incidentally Arema Indonesia showed how it should be done, coming away with a respectable 1:2 loss away to Cerezo Osaka.