Jeff Hopkins is positive Melbourne Victory can return to the winners’ enclosure this weekend.
Ahead of facing Sydney FC on Sunday, January 25, kick-off 5pm AEDT, his Ninja A-League Women’s outfit are experiencing an uncharacteristic dip in form at the start of 2026.
They have lost back-to-back matches, being defeated by Brisbane Roar on home soil before losing out at Adelaide United last Saturday.
Both games were decided by a single-goal margin, and the Head Coach is certain the tables can be turned in the Big Blue at The Home of The Matildas.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Hopkins talked about the confidence he has in the squad to string together positive results.
“We know we’re a good side. We know that our wins are just around the corner, and we’ve just got to keep backing ourselves and keep doing the things that we know will get us over the line. If we keep doing those regularly and consistently, we’ll get back on the winning path. We’re capable of putting a really good run together for the rest of the season.”
On Sydney FC, Hopkins added: “They’re a team that are going through a tough period as well, similar to us, and probably just struggling to score a little bit as well. We need to be aware of who we’re playing; a very proud team that have a really good history in this league.”
Last weekend’s outcome versus Adelaide was overshadowed by a concerning injury sustained by star midfielder Rhianna Pollicina.
The 28-year-old received treatment pitchside before undergoing surgery on her wrist in Melbourne earlier this week.
But any fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines were dispelled by Hopkins, who advised that Pollicina is already conducting some work back on the training track.
“She’s had surgery on Tuesday. The surgeon has operated on it, and it went really well, probably as good as it possibly could have gone. Mini’s been back at training; she’s doing a little bit of light work at the moment, as much as she can do. We’re holding her back a little bit; she’s raring to go already.
“Obviously, the next couple of weeks is making sure that everything’s good with it. She could, hopefully, be back in three to four weeks maybe.”
Watch Hopkins’ full press conference below.
