Victory urged to embrace Adelaide atmosphere
MELBOURNE Victory coach Tony Popovic has urged his players to embrace the hostile environment that awaits them at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
An excited Popovic is set to get his first taste of the ALeague’s “Original Rivalry” when Victory meets Adelaide United.
While Victory has derbies against Melbourne City and Western United, for Adelaide this is its grudge match, with South Australians loving nothing more than claiming bragging rights over Victorians.
“We want to embrace that and enjoy that,” Popovic said of the expected atmosphere. “It’s a difficult place to go to, so you have to be on song in every part of your game.
“They (Adelaide) are a dangerous side. They’ve got a lot of speed (and) a lot of power.”
But despite their “power”,
the Reds have been unable to land a knockout blow this season. While they are yet to lose an A-League game this campaign, they are also yet to win one, having had to settle for three draws.
Adelaide coach Carl Veart conceded the pressure was on his side to win this weekend.
“That’s what we’re in the business for,” he said.
“It was a little bit of an issue last year as well. We created a lot of opportunities and lacked that final cutting edge.
“In the three games we’ve played so far (this season), we’re creating the opportunities, which is pleasing.
“It’s just about either a little bit of luck, or greater creativity, or just a little of better understanding of how to take the chances that we’re creating at the moment.”
Despite Adelaide’s problems in attack, Veart remains in no rush to recall key forward Craig Goodwin to the starting side.
The Reds will be without suspended Spaniard Javi Lopez, who was sent off in the dying stages of the 0-0 away draw with Brisbane Roar last Saturday. There is also a cloud over Lopez’s countryman Isaias, who is battling a hip injury.