The A-League had been entertaining up until its postponement. It’s due to start again on 16 July, and this is how Melbourne Victory’s season was looking prior to the restart.
What’s the story?
Melbourne Victory were sitting in the top six when they made the decision to sack coach Marco Kurz. Kurz had a record of four wins, three draws and six losses. In his last three games as coach the Victory scored eight goals and conceded four. They played a reasonable brand of football. In his final three games as coach they won the Melbourne derby 2-1 and then obliterated the Jets 4-0 and narrowly lost 3-2 to the Central Coast Mariners in his last match.
Melbourne Victory’s second coach of the season was Carlos Salvachua. Salvachua had a record of one win, two draws and five losses from the eight games he coached the side. He’s since taken the decision to go back to Europe with his family following the postponement of the season.
The Victory would be extremely disappointed that they are currently sitting second last on the A-League ladder as it stands. They have appointed their third coach of the season, selecting Grant Brebner as their interim manager for the remainder of 2019-20.
Captain Ola Toivonen has decided to go back to Sweden with his family.
Ola Toivonen’s left Melbourne without tasting victory. (Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The five most talented players
5. James Donachie
He’s a key part of the Melbourne Victory defence. Donachie has performed reasonably well this season despite his team sitting second last on the A-League ladder as it stands.
4. Jakob Poulsen
He has plenty of ability but for some reason couldn’t display that talent.
3. Andrew Nabbout
Nabbout contributed five goals along with three assists this season so far.
2. Adama Traore
He has immense potential. It would be interesting to see Traore given a more attacking role as he has the ability to make marauding runs down the left-hand side.
1. Migjen Basha
Basha has been a pivotal part of the Melbourne Victory team. They may have been sitting on the bottom of the ladder if not for Basha’s contributions.
Honourable mention: Elvis Kamsoba
He has lots of tricks in his kit bag. All he needs is a bit of confidence. Kamsoba has to become more clinical in the final third.
Adaptable player
Andrew Nabbout can play on the wing or as a striker.
Who needs to lift?
The whole team needs to improve in every part of the game. They all need to step up in the absence of Ola Toivonen.
What has to alter?
First of all, the Victory should change their goalkeeper, as it may bring about a change of luck. They have nothing to lose. I’m not insinuating that Lawrence Thomas isn’t a good goalkeeper, but Matt Acton is a quality goalkeeper too, and since they can’t make the top six, it’d be good to give another stopper a chance. Adama Traore should also play left wing.
All of these alterations would be made in the short term, being the remainder of the A-League 2019-20 season. All players are playing for their careers.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
I think Rojas and Kruse were talented in the past, but they didn’t show they belong at A-League level in Season 2019/20; give some youngsters a go! Perhaps Rojas and Kruse may have more of an impact off the bench.
forevervictory
Roar Rookie
Yep , I agree give Matt Acton a go. Mahler..it’s no harm in changing a few things up for the last few games ..We already known Lawrence is always first choice but Matt Acton bides his time week in week out and when we can’t make finals then why not give him a go..also stick Kenny up front by himself for the remaining games. Some of the players just waste away in this league unfortunately. Now, just play the last few games with PRIDE!
Le Hack
Guest
Agree Thomas has'nt been at his usual lofty standards but it does become harder as a keeper when your team is playing poorly. No mention of Rojas and Kruse? Traore I think is a bit older than we think so I'm not sure if he has the potential to improve, perhaps Hopes, Lesiotis and Kamsoba is more that way. Victory really needs to look at next year with Donachie signed to Newcastle, Nabbout moving to Perth, Toivonen and most of their Visa's gone and no coach appointed, it's going to be interesting to see what they can do in 2021
Mahler
Guest
Just don't get your suggestion that Lawrence Thomas be dropped. I thought that overall he was the most convincing of all the Victory players.