Brazilian Gui Finkler will be Melbourne Victory’s A-League go-to man for the next month after missing Kevin Muscat’s Asian Champions League (ACL) squad.
The odd man out of Victory’s four internationals when only three can be selected for the ACL, Finkler’s transformation from super-sub to first man on the team sheet will begin on Saturday night against Adelaide United.
Adelaide come to Melbourne with the A-League’s best form this year, with four wins and two draws from seven matches in 2014.
If they can defeat Victory, they will have downed every other member of the top six since New Year’s Day – firming their status as legitimate title challengers.
Muscat was undaunted by the visit of United, saying he hoped for an entertaining match between the third and fourth placed sides.
“That’s the idea. From our part, we certainly expect to go out there and try to entertain and play a nice brand of football,” Muscat said.
Muscat said Finkler’s silky skills would be a big part of his A-League plans despite him being “professionally disappointed” to miss out on the ACL campaign.
“I’d love to be able to take him as well … it was a difficult decision,” Muscat said.
“He wants to play and so does everyone.”
With 14 games in eight weeks, a need to rotate his squad is paramount but that won’t start on Saturday night.
“I can only worry about tomorrow because I don’t know the fall-out from tomorrow,” Muscat said on Friday.
“But the number of games we’ve got going forward will present opportunities for everyone.”
While Kosta Barbarouses will be dragged away from the squad for New Zealand’s friendly in Japan on 3 March, Muscat predicted the pain would continue for his stretched side when Ange Postecoglou names his Socceroos squad to play Ecuador on the same day.
“I’ve no doubt Ange will call up some of the boys,” he said.
“The reality is (Barbarouses has) been picked for an international, he’s obliged to go.”
“If you worry about internationals going away, maybe you shouldn’t sign good players.”
United will be without their own Socceroo Michael Zullo, who will miss through suspension, joining the injured pair of Cassio and Ryan Griffiths on the sidelines.
Tarek Elrich will come in for Zullo at left-back.
After a week spent qualifying for the ACL, Muscat has omitted James Jeggo from his squad, along with Adrian Leijer who suffered facial fractures in a brief appearance in the Central Coast win.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Sounds like another classic between these two great rivals. Sad I wasn't home to watch it. Anyone watching the W-League grand final? About 5000 in attendance at Lakeside with a few hundred MVFC active making some good noise.
peter care
Guest
If Muscat was ''hoping for an entertaining match" between MVFC and Adelaide, well, he got his wish.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Where did I suggest Herbert was a superior coach to Lippi? I said Herbert's NZL team of mainly A-League players, drew 1-1 against Lippi's team of Serie A millionaires. Muscat only faces Lippi twice. There's no chance MVFC will park the bus but, in 90' of football, anything can happen.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Terrific win by the lads tonight. Came back from behind 0-1 & 1-2 to win 4-3 against 1 of the in-form teams. Under Muscat, MVFC have played 2 really bad games & a couple of average games .. no different to how we played under current National Team coach, Ange Postecoglou.
1860melbourne
Guest
I hope I am wrong. But I see nothing in Muscat to say that he has what it takes to manage in the Aleague let alone the ACL. Some results over the next couple of weeks in ACL and the league will give us an idea where he stands.
bill boomer
Guest
Now there's a trophy. Champions of oceana, their rivals must be filling their trousers. Surely you're not suggesting that Herbert is a superior coach to the smoking Lippi on the back of one lucky park the bus draw. NZ were still on the next plane home and as for muscat, victory have no chance.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
"But Muscat v Lippi. Its a no contest!" Did you watch WC2010? How did you assess Ricki Herbert v Lippi as a contest? In case you missed the match, Lippi coached a team of millionaire superstars, who were Champions of the World; Herbert coached a team of mainly A-League players, who were Champions of Oceania. The match ended 1-1.
1860melbourne
Guest
Really dont like the idea of Finkler being left out of the ACL squad. Barberouses has been a dud since joining Victory. At least Finkler gives us the X factor. We are on a hiding to nothing in China. I hope I am wrong. But Muscat v Lippi. Its a no contest!