Last season’s 6-0 and 7-0 derby thumpings seem like a distant memory for Melbourne Victory after a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Melbourne City – and coach Tony Popovic believes there’s still plenty to come from his charges.
With Victory trailing 2-1 on Saturday night, Nick D’Agostino scored an 81st-minute equaliser to snare a crucial point in another key game of the club’s refreshed A-League Men era under Popovic.
“It just shows the improvement of the team,” Popovic said.
“We’re improving, we’re growing, we’re certainly adapting to some of the problems that we’re having on the field and the players that came on once again had a great impact.
“Nick and Robbie (Kruse) looked really dangerous when they came on, young Nishan (Velupillay) in a big derby. Chris (Ikonomidis) got some minutes, valuable minutes, that he needs.”
Popovic expected more fluidity as the season progressed.
“I’ve maintained that since the first game … every press conference I’ve said this team can and will get better,” he said.
“It’s factual – players that haven’t trained, haven’t played, came late, missed pre-season. Of course they can get better.
(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
“But we’re picking up points as we’re evolving as a team and we’re showing amazing attitude and resilience which is positive for us moving forward.
“In time, we’ll be a better team and we need individuals to keep growing and hopefully we can have a little bit more luck with some injuries.”
Marco Rojas came off in the first half but Popovic was confident it was just the after-effects of a knee knock suffered in training.
Victory will likely field youngsters in Wednesday’s FFA Cup trip to the Gold Coast Knights.
“Players always say they love playing games,” Popovic said.
“We have an opportunity where we’re still in the Cup and it’ll be a chance I’m sure, some young players will have to play.
“Whether by choice or not, some players won’t be able to back up mid-week. Then we have another great game against Western United.
“So if you’re anyone at Melbourne Victory, as a footballer right now it’s something to look forward to.”
Meanwhile City will sweat on Nuno Reis, who appeared to injure his hamstring and was substituted in the second half, with coach Patrick Kisnorbo citing “tightness”.
Kisnorbo played down a training knock that saw Mathew Leckie miss Saturday’s game as “nothing major” but he will be monitored ahead of Wednesday’s FFA Cup clash with Wellington.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Kruse there is no way he should start, his pressing and fitness is way behind the others, this role he has now has at a late sub when player are tired is much better for him. The problem last year was they started two players with worst fitness and workrate than Kruse, as well as Kruse and they only subbed young players off. Folami is well ahead of Kruse but up against a tough wing. Folami workrate was huge particularly as he helped protect Broxham against Nabbout, if it was one on one Nabbout vs Broxham it would have been all over. Margiotta while his pressing is improving, I think Dagostino was the much better presser for the early part of the season and should have preffered as the starter for the matches before this . Its a good combo in terms of neither player is fit enough for 90 minutes. McLaren reliable finisher of easy chances , never seen him do much else.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Stating the obvious here - Popovic is an amazing coach who has high expectations of all players. Yes, he has good teams, but that also shows his strength as a coach - he demands the club also supports him by supplying some talent. The A League needs teams setting high standards - last year it was City and it may still be, but perhaps it will be Victory this season. Good to see the Mariners have another good win last night, too. This does breathe fresh air into our league and teams such as Sydney and West Sydney need to lift to match the leaders. This is good for our competition. An exciting season ahead
jbinnie
Guest
Anna - A good interview with Popovic, giving us all his hopes and dreams for the season ahead. Questions he should have been asked but wasn't, if Kruse and D'Agostino were so dangerous when they came on, why were they on the bench in the first place???. Believe me Anna, that's the question both players will be asking. All in all a good even game with the big crowd kept entertained with some classy football but Kisnorbo will be asking why 2 of his current Socceroos could only give us 3 or 4 minutes of their potential, with classical setting up and finishing. As I said a few weeks ago, City are a good looking team, but are not finishing off their good outfield play, no doubt giving Paddy nightmares. Cheers jb