Berisha remains confident ahead of NZ clash
MELBOURNE Victory striker Besart Berisha says his team will head into phase two of a challenging three-match stint with plenty of optimism after its 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night.
The Victory endured a frustrating night at GMHBA Stadium, leaving several goals out on the park and an additional two points that would have kept them in the hunt for a top-two spot on the A-League table.
But when they travel to New Zealand today to take on Wellington Phoenix on Wednesday night — before return- ing to play Perth Glory at home on Saturday night — with several missed opportunities still fresh in their minds, Berisha said they know it will be just a matter of time before results go their way.
“We worked so hard for opportunities and usually we don’t get that many chances, so we have to own our goals with really hard work,” Berisha said.
“We had some easy chances and we didn’t take them, so it was very strange. A bit like the weather, it was difficult, and with the draw we are not happy but if you miss so many opportunities you don’t need to wonder.
“You have these kinds of days where you have easy chances and don’t score, but then you make the hard ones next week, it is crazy. It is just the way football is sometimes and it can be really painful.”
Berisha missed a chance in the 16th minute but, as he has done so many times throughout his decorated career, broke the ice in the 49th minute with some brilliant work inside the box.
While disappointed not to secure the three points, the 29year-old said the efforts of his teammates to battle through the scorching heat on Saturday was to be commended.
“It was very disappointing because we wanted to take the three points,” he said.
“We missed so many opportunities, I missed a beautiful chance in the first half and all the boys missed opportunities.
“So I’m very disappointed with the outcome, but it was a very difficult day to play football. If you did a ten-metre sprint you were so tired, it was crazy. It was really difficult conditions.”