Head Coach Tony Popovic spoke to the media after Victory’s draw against the Central Coast Mariners.
On tonight’s performance…
“Look, overall it was a tough game for us physically as well. We made four forced changes, which is not really something we’ve had to do thus far.”
“I thought structurally, defensively, we were very good. We didn’t concede many opportunities. So that side was excellent.”
“That one moment, you know, we probably should have kept the ball in the front third and they hurt us with a great pass and a great run and we go home with one point instead of three.”
“We just have to get better at managing the game with the ball towards the end and maybe create an opportunity while they’re pushing to go 0-2 up.”
On Daniel Arzani…
“Daniel wanted a challenge. Daniel came to Melbourne Victory because he wants to be the best player he can be.”
“He’s playing regular football and he’s a pleasure to coach every day because if you saw our training, he’s right at it every single day.”
“He’s not a player that goes and just ticks a box at training. So the performances that are getting better are due to him.”
“When was the last time he played 11 games out of 12 that he started? I don’t think he ever has. When he was 17 and 18, going to the national team, he was a player coming on, never been a starter. When has he started 11 out of 12 games? Never. So this is new for him and he’s growing and we want to help him keep growing and doing well and helping Melbourne victory.”
On Ryan Teague’s Injury…
“I think it was just a knock, it was a corky in a bad position under his knee I believe. I think when he cooled down at half-time and he came out, it stiffened up.”
