Turning the pressure up on Melbourne ahead of Derby

 
Davidde Corran Columnist

By , 20 Oct 2011 Davidde Corran is a Roar Expert

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Melbourne Victory supporters. AAP Image/Paul Miller

Melbourne Victory supporters. AAP Image/Paul Miller

This week is all about Melbourne. With the A-League’s only intra-city derby on the horizon, the self-proclaimed centre of the sporting world is currently the focus of the Australian football public’s attention.

However, with both Heart and Victory gripped by mini crises of confidence, it’s not just the weekend’s high profile fixture that is drawing curious glances from across the country.

While both have underachieved in their first two games of the new season, for Victory, responsibility seems to have been placed almost squarely upon the shoulders of Mehmet Durakovic.

What a challenge for such an inexperienced coach, but equally it remains a fantastic opportunity.

Durakovic’s tactics against Adelaide last Friday have been questioned roundly, and that’s not unreasonable. However he must trust his judgement and not fall into the trap of self-doubt.

Even before the season it was inevitable that this type of pressure would fall upon everyone at the Victory. Harry Kewell’s signing painted a big target on the club and it’s one weighed down with astronomical expectation.

Yet in my opinion the biggest troubles in Melbourne lie across town in Bundoora where Heart still seem to be finding their feet over 12 months after the club played its first competitive game.

Last season there was little pressure put on the A-League new boys for their debut campaign. It was a case of “lets just see how they go”.

Well we did see, and they went poorly.

So a crucial second season has now begun. After two losses, and controversy off the field with the replacement of Simon Colosimo as captain, there is some unease at the club.

I suspect the issue is one of comfort. Ever since criticism from outside the club was tempered last season, expectations have been a bit too nice for everyone at Heart, both on and off the pitch.

What makes this a genuine problem however is Heart are up against the A-League’s most successful club in Victory, who have had a five-year head start in winning the hearts and minds of Victorians.

To make up this difference, a touch of ruthlessness, not just passion and good ideas, is needed.

Striker David Williams probably didn’t realise how accurate he was being on Tuesday when he said the players are “too friendly” at the Heart.

To borrow from seminal electronica duo Daft Punk, could a bit of “harder, better, faster, stronger” help put the red and white half of Melbourne back on track?

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