Arthur Diles is looking forward to more than just the football in Round 22 of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Melbourne Victory, unbeaten in six, welcome Central Coast Mariners, without defeat in eight, to AAMI Park on Saturday, March 21, kick-off 5.10pm AEDT.
The hosts were successful on home soil last Sunday, scoring four times in a comprehensive success over Macarthur FC that edges them closer to confirming Finals football.
This weekend’s fixture is part of the Club’s annual U-NITE Multicultural Round, which features a Multicultural Village on Gosch’s Paddock, including a range of multicultural performances, such as Manasis Greek dancing and a Mariachi band.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Diles talked about the importance of U-NITE Round and the impact football has in bringing people together.
“It’s my favourite occasion for the season. It’s what brings all different cultures together, all walks of life. For me, that’s what makes our game the most beautiful game in the world.
“Bringing all these cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds all together for the love of football.
“I look forward to tomorrow night seeing all different cultures, all different people in those stands supporting us and cheering us on. We want to do something good for them and send them home happy tomorrow night.”
Victory’s form places them well going into the run-in, and they will be boosted by the return to the match day squad of experienced defender Jason Davidson.
Unfortunately, Jing Reec is set for a spell on the sidelines, whilst Louis D’Arrigo is raring to be back after the Men’s FIFA international window.
“Jason’s now fit and healthy, so he’ll be in the squad again, which is fantastic, and BJ’s (Brendan Hamill) up for selection again as well, which is great.
“Jingy (Reec) picked up an injury the other night in the midweek match.”
“Louis (D’Arrigo) was probably touch and go for this weekend, but with the medical staff, the decision’s been to leave him for this week and have him right, now that we’re going to have the international break, after this week, and he’ll be ready to go for the Wellington match.”
Watch Diles’ full press conference below.
