Victory coach happy with nothing in loss
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A furious Ange Postecoglou has put Melbourne Victory on notice after an opening night A-League defeat – mediocrity on his watch won’t be tolerated.
The first step in dual championship-winning coach Postecoglou’s Victory revolution was an embarrassing face-plant – a 2-1 loss to crosstown rivals Melbourne Heart in front of 42,000 at Etihad Stadium to open the season on Friday night.
Postecoglou was incensed afterwards, saying he was happy with nothing in a Victory performance he described as “hugely disappointing”.
And he also shouldered the bulk of responsibility, suggesting perhaps he had done something wrong in the build-up to the Victory’s attempt to turn around a dismal last season.
“I’m happy with absolutely zero tonight. 42,000 people turn up and we let them down, and I take responsibility for that,” Postecoglou said after his first game in charge since quitting Brisbane Roar.
“We didn’t really get anywhere near the levels we aspire to and we need to.
“We missed a great opportunity to send our fantastic supporters home with something special tonight.
“I’m not interested in trying to find reasons or excuses.
“We were ready to perform, we were prepared to perform. There was no reason to dish up what we did tonight.”
Instead new Heart coach John Aloisi took the honours thanks to his side’s brilliant high pressing game and first half goals to David Williams and Dylan Macallister.
Heart could have won by more had they taken advantage of a raft of chances midway through the second half – made possible by sloppy Victory defence and mopped up by three excellent Lawrence Thomas saves.
While Victory showed promise in a pulsating first half – the interplay between new signings Marcos Flores and Gui Finkler and veteran Archie Thompson a delight to watch – they were playing catch-up from the 14th minute.
Winger Williams latched on to a Richard Garcia ball which meandered beyond Victory’s defence for the opening goal of the season.
But Victory equalised on 24 minutes through the brilliance of Flores, who sent Thompson down the left before a neat cross expertly finished by Marco Rojas.
The turning point of the match came when Flores hit the bar just before halftime with a shot which could have given Victory the lead.
Soon after the Heart were back in front when a sweeping end-to-end Heart move went from goalkeeper Clint Bolton, through Michael Marrone and Mate Dugandzic’s cross before Macallister struck.
Aloisi was predictably thrilled with his side’s performance as rank underdogs.
“Tactically, the boys did exactly what we’ve been trying to do in training,” he said.
“The belief is going to be there now that we can play against anyone if we work together.”
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- A-League, Ange Postecoglou, football, Melbourne Victory
October 6th 2012 @ 5:27am
Football Authority said | October 6th 2012 @ 5:27am | Report comment
Ange lost his first 3 games with the Roar and went on to win two titles in a row.
He wouldn’t have been happy with that performance particularly when his game is based on crisp accurate passing and plenty of movement to create space.
A lot of improvement needed and maybe Victory have it in them.
Good opening crowd for the A-League and good atmosphere.
Aloisi must be thrilled with his first victory as a manager.
October 8th 2012 @ 8:05am
JohnL said | October 8th 2012 @ 8:05am | Report comment
He may have lost his first three games, but that was when he came in md-season. I dont recall him losing his first three games with the Roar after 4 months pre-season preparation.
October 8th 2012 @ 11:58am
Ian said | October 8th 2012 @ 11:58am | Report comment
that is correct
October 6th 2012 @ 6:59am
nearpost said | October 6th 2012 @ 6:59am | Report comment
42,000 – what a way to start the season. Only 3 in-season NRL games got bigger and the A-Leagues 2nd biggest regular season game ever.
Playing out from the back – fraught if you don’t have a keeper comfortable with his feet and players like Leijer who aren’t so mobile. Defensively Adrian Leijer remains a huge liability and himself and Adama Traore were pretty poor defensively last night.
Victory has a lot of work to do – all teams know how they want to play and pressing at appropriate parts in the game is not just easy but will cough up rewards if Victory can’t lift their playing out and movement.
They had some success – and when they did and Archie was involved deep they looked sensational. But it was infrequent. Firepower – did they really create anything?
Heart – great wing pace and suddenly Dylan McAllister looks like a footballer of some merit. Good to see Richard Garcia adding something, Fred is a joy to watch.
Can’t help feeling Simon Colosimo and Clint Bolton over Adrian Leijer and Lawrence Thomas will be the difference between the two teams all year.
Bolton’s play out for the Heart second goal. Ange would have been purring – where was Traore??
October 6th 2012 @ 7:26am
pete4 said | October 6th 2012 @ 7:26am | Report comment
Fantastic season opener!! Superb from both clubs… congrats to Johnny Aloisi on his first win as a coach
October 6th 2012 @ 8:28am
Kasey said | October 6th 2012 @ 8:28am | Report comment
I had a few friends over for beer and pizza to ‘celebrate’ the long awaited season kickoff, we all loved the game, thought it was a high paced great game, lots in it for the MBV haters( 80% of the rest of the leagues fans:) and MBH fans. still as MBV continue to learn the Ange system they’ll likely score more goals like their exquisite first. Great way to start the season especially after last seasons dour 0-0 MBV-SFC season opener:) onwards and upwards for season 2012-13… Over to you Wellington….well done Heart and johnny Aloisi!
Ps well done football/sporting fans of melbourne: 42k is awesome!
October 6th 2012 @ 11:39am
Roger said | October 6th 2012 @ 11:39am | Report comment
It was a disappointing game for us MV fans. There was some great play in the first half, but it’s always hard to lose a game – especially to MH =/
Great crowd though, but it is a bit of pity we weren’t in AAMI . Would have been an even better atmosphere!
October 6th 2012 @ 7:37am
MV Dave said | October 6th 2012 @ 7:37am | Report comment
At least we scored a cracking goal…the last 3 40,000 plus crowds in H&A we have played in at Etihad we have failed to score. Talk about disappointing the masses.
Anyway was a terrific atmosphere and first half in particular, MV showed some nice glimpses of what may come. Well done Heart and it seems their support base is growing judging on the noise for their goals.
Over 42,000 shows the potential for this fixture as every game the crowds have increased (32,000 and 39,300 the previous 2 at Etihad). It is becoming a marquee fixture on the Melbourne sports scene. Imagine if MV and MH are both near the top of the table?
MV showed enough to indicate a lot of improvement to come even if there will be some short term pain in the meantime.
October 6th 2012 @ 8:06am
striker said | October 6th 2012 @ 8:06am | Report comment
I thought Melboune Heart totally outplayed and outfoxed victory they the heart will be a force this year.
October 6th 2012 @ 9:19am
Jerome said | October 6th 2012 @ 9:19am | Report comment
I guess Heart just slipped under everybody’s radar – with the focus on Victory with the new coach, and then the focus shifting to Western Sydney with their formation and then Sydney with ADP’s signing.
Though too early to say whether Heart will be a force. They did play an effective game plan where they sat in midfield, absorbed pressure and counter-attacked quickly to catch MV’s defence on the back foot. Whether this will work with every opponent remains to be seen.
October 6th 2012 @ 8:27am
Q said | October 6th 2012 @ 8:27am | Report comment
It’s pretty arrogant of Ange to assume that the entire 42,000 were disappointed.
October 6th 2012 @ 8:32am
Kasey said | October 6th 2012 @ 8:32am | Report comment
Says a lot about the mentality of that club really:(
October 6th 2012 @ 4:16pm
Ian said | October 6th 2012 @ 4:16pm | Report comment
yes i read that and thought so you think there are no Heart fans…sure looked like it from where i was sitting in my brisbane home.
good to see a large crowd
October 6th 2012 @ 12:31pm
langou said | October 6th 2012 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
They just keep given us reasons to hate them
October 7th 2012 @ 1:20am
Q said | October 7th 2012 @ 1:20am | Report comment
Lol, made even funnier because of his posturing before the game, headline should have been ‘Heart welcome Ange to his nightmare. ‘
October 7th 2012 @ 9:04am
Roger said | October 7th 2012 @ 9:04am | Report comment
Heart has hated Victory from the start. In fact, that’s what the club is pretty much built on – those who don”t like Victory.
October 6th 2012 @ 8:46am
Titus said | October 6th 2012 @ 8:46am | Report comment
Cracking start to the season! A lot of rustiness and fitness issues but an exciting, attacking game non-the less.
Augurs well for the remainder of the season.
Full credit to the Melbourne fans for a great turn out, setting the bar for attendance once again.
October 6th 2012 @ 8:53am
Fussball ist unser leben said | October 6th 2012 @ 8:53am | Report comment
“I’m happy with absolutely zero tonight. 42,000 people turn up and we let them down”
Well said, Ange. Can’t believe the absolute RUBBISH that MVFC served up last night.
If that’s the performance of professional footballers, after 6 months preparation, in the most important H&A game this season then MVFC fans are in for a long & disappointing season.
Well done to Melbourne Heart. They totally controlled the game – comfortable & composed in defence, and their midfield and attack worked intelligently to deny space to MVFC.
I’ll attend every home game, but it’s going to be a frustrating season – filled lots of “goals conceded” – unless the defence learns how to pass the ball & control the ball in tight spaces.
PS: Glad to hear the game looked good on TV. At the stadium, I thought it was awful – sloppy passing from both teams – and the worst of the 7 Melbourne Derbies … apart from the 3 goals – the build up to the goals was as good as anything you’ll see in the best football leagues of the world.
October 6th 2012 @ 9:04am
Midfielder said | October 6th 2012 @ 9:04am | Report comment
Gotta admit I gave a little cheer when I saw the score ….. I am sure MV will get better….
Rain God has chosen to be around for the opening WSW game …
October 6th 2012 @ 9:15am
Kasey said | October 6th 2012 @ 9:15am | Report comment
bugger on the rain Gods in Sydney:( I’m still hopeful that the single round crowd record will be smashed today and tomorrow. I’ll be watching with bated breath the Wanderers debut tonight, my money is on the Mariners, but football is a funny old game:) upsets have happened before!
October 6th 2012 @ 9:23am
Midfielder said | October 6th 2012 @ 9:23am | Report comment
K
WSW have seven imports for me that will make them strong … they will be very competitive this season …. no one should take them lightly…
October 6th 2012 @ 9:34am
Kasey said | October 6th 2012 @ 9:34am | Report comment
Mid, try and keep that cultural cringe in check mate, import does not always equal better. The list of import flops could probably take up a roar article all on its own.:)
October 6th 2012 @ 11:40am
Roger said | October 6th 2012 @ 11:40am | Report comment
Its ok Mid, I know you’re just jealous of MV and its fan base
October 6th 2012 @ 12:14pm
Midfielder said | October 6th 2012 @ 12:14pm | Report comment
Roger
Not jealous … we are a regional centre less than 300, 000 and rely on our youth academies for players… actually I am happy we have a team capable of drawing such good crowds….
My point about WSW is they have seven imports that will make them competitive ….
Just for interest sake … my business is in Ettalong which is kinda across the water from the bush fires …. the street was filled full of smoke and ash…
October 6th 2012 @ 12:29pm
Cappuccino said | October 6th 2012 @ 12:29pm | Report comment
Rain shouldn’t be that much of a problem… It’s only sprinkling- 15000+ is still a very realistic aim. The round record will definitely be broken either way though… The derby last night basically got us half way there anyway.
October 6th 2012 @ 11:46am
Roger said | October 6th 2012 @ 11:46am | Report comment
Fuss, I think that’s a bit harsh. Yes, there were some dreadful moments at the back (speaking of which – I take back everything bad I ever said about Lawrence Thomas), but let’s not forget some beautiful midfield action in the first half. Oh yes, there are positive signs, but clearly the team is not there yet.
October 6th 2012 @ 12:38pm
langou said | October 6th 2012 @ 12:38pm | Report comment
I know Ange builds his teams around a quick passing game-plan and control of the ball is paramount but there so many occasions last night where the big hoof out of defence was required. I’m not sure quick one-twos are the best option when so close to your own goal. Full credit to Aloisi who came in with a great game-plan built around shutting down their passing game. Also apart from his shooting I thought Williams looked great playing an attacking role for heart. Might be one to watch this year.
October 6th 2012 @ 12:49pm
Midfielder said | October 6th 2012 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
Iangou
HHHHHMMMMMM…. I like the possession, build from the back philosophy…. long term ….support building on it through the season…. you must recognize that it will be a struggle before Ang can get MV to the promised land….. will it be worth the wait. your call …… The cattle are not right at the moment to implement the plan to its fullest, …. some will adapt and others will eventually be replaced. … hold the faith you have a very technical coach don’t give up on him….
October 6th 2012 @ 2:15pm
fadida said | October 6th 2012 @ 2:15pm | Report comment
Agree Midfielder. Foolish to write off a team and style after 1 game. It’s great to see teams being brave and keeping possession. The long term rewards far outweigh the occasional goals conceded – see Roar, Brisbane
October 6th 2012 @ 2:49pm
Nathan of Perth said | October 6th 2012 @ 2:49pm | Report comment
Oh, so you’ll write the Glory off before the season starts but we shouldn’t write off a team that relies on Leijer as a centre-half?
Strap yourselves in Victory fans, you’ll score more this year, but you’re going to let in more too…
October 6th 2012 @ 2:36pm
langou said | October 6th 2012 @ 2:36pm | Report comment
Yeah you might be right on that. From memory it took Queensland Roar a few games to get used that style. Anyways doesn’t bother me. I am not a Victory fan.
October 6th 2012 @ 12:53pm
Realfootball said | October 6th 2012 @ 12:53pm | Report comment
Actually the game didn’t look good on tv. It was enjoyable, yes, being the first game, and the atmosphere came across on the box – you guys down there really know how to do crowd support.
However, the technical standard of the game, I thought, was poor overall- not that I’m sure it mattered because of the crowd and no shortage of drama as Victory went after the equaliser (Archie, Archie… oh dear). Heart went route one relentlessly, and Victory – apart from some sublime flashes of skill and passing intricacy (notably the goal) – looked very, very uncomfortable with how they were being asked to play. Agree that passing from both sides was awful for far too much of the game.
I’m not at all sure Ange has the cattle to play this kind of game. Foscini and Broxham look out of their depth. Leijer is a long way from his best. Milligan is out of position at CB. Bru looked very ordinary. Archie has lost his acceleration. Alsopp’s time has passed. Finkler was too easily knocked off the ball. Either side, on last night’s performance, would be dismantled by Brisbane. Next weekend at Suncorp should be very interesting.
October 6th 2012 @ 9:23am
AGO74 said | October 6th 2012 @ 9:23am | Report comment
Hard to call yourself a neutral when you are watching the Victory play but as a “neutral” I really enjoyed the game. Victory’s equaliser and Heart’s winner were great goals and the Heart standard of play was very good. Really, the Heart should have won by more….
October 6th 2012 @ 9:56am
Bondy. said | October 6th 2012 @ 9:56am | Report comment
It was nice to see Flores running around again,that would be a great football stadium in they could move the sides in 10-15 yards. I thought the game was a bit rusty, all the teams should be near right after round three.
The final goal was a beauty by the heart starting from a goal keeping error from the victory and ending up in the back of he’s net 25 seconds later which included a pass from heart goal keeper Bolton.
Did anyone else ask what on earth did he leave Brisbane for.
I think its safe to say Fussball that the heart have it over the victory over the past couple of seasons.
October 6th 2012 @ 11:43am
Roger said | October 6th 2012 @ 11:43am | Report comment
“I think its safe to say Fussball that the heart have it over the victory over the past couple of seasons.”
Let’s just wait and see shall we? Heart played Route 1 football last night – 11 men behind the ball for defence, combined with counter attacks.
Even when they started to string some passes together, someone would just hoof it up the field and ruin the build up. I’m not saying it didn’t pay off for it, but its swapping long term build up and strength, for short term wins.
October 6th 2012 @ 2:12pm
Nathan of Perth said | October 6th 2012 @ 2:12pm | Report comment
Wasn’t quite Route 1 – the high press was more crucial.
When thing clicked for either side it was beautiful but they misclicked a lot. Exciting stuff though. Lot of rust in the two Melbourne clubs. Of course both these clubs were thrashed pre-season so let’s wait till Monday before assessing the League.
They played a very physical game, did Heart, but their through ball and foot chase did provide a lot of excitement.
October 6th 2012 @ 4:55pm
Roger said | October 6th 2012 @ 4:55pm | Report comment
Nathan, long balls aren’t through balls – they’re hoof balls.
And yes, agreed, Heart were thugs.
October 6th 2012 @ 5:39pm
Nathan of Perth said | October 6th 2012 @ 5:39pm | Report comment
If a team thinks that all Heart were playing were hoofs then they will get burned something fierce.
Was quite surprised at what was being let go during the game, thought the instructions of late had been to clamp down on the dangerous stuff so its easier to bring in more Marquees.
October 7th 2012 @ 9:08am
Roger said | October 7th 2012 @ 9:08am | Report comment
Look, I’m not saying every ball was a hoof – but you have to admit, more often then not, there were long balls, kicked over, hoping for the best.
In re to the ‘physicality’, yea me too.