Nishan Velupillay has tunnel vision on Melbourne Victory’s ambitions.
The Boys in Blue host first-place Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park on Friday, April 17, kick-off 7.35pm AEDT, with the visitors knowing a win will put them on the brink of a first Premiers Plate.
Victory also needs the three points to lock-in Finals before the last round of fixtures, having bounced back from the home loss to Wellington Phoenix by earning a credible point at Auckland FC.
Velupillay was on target in the 2-2 draw, but wants the maximum in Round 25, and is not concerned with the implications of a home win on the Jets.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the 24-year-old previewed another acid test for Arthur Diles’ side.
“We played second place last week and first place this week. So, if you don’t bring it, then you’re going to cop it.
“I think it’s important that we start strong, and like we did last week, be ready for what they have.
“A lot of the time, we focus on ourselves. We have got our own goals and ambitions to fight for, and we know we need to win our last few games. We’re looking to win and see what that can do for us, not necessarily what we can do to them.”
The Friday night football showdown is the Club’s annual Member Recognition Round, jam-packed with Member experiences and giveaways to mark the occasion.
And for Velupillay, who, like teammate Matthew Grimaldi, is a boyhood Victory fan, he knows just what a difference the supporters can make at the season’s pointy end.
“The crowd provides an extra boost. You can see when teams come here, it’s very difficult to get results. If we do manage to get a home final in the Finals, I think it’d be very intimidating for any team to come here.”
Watch Velupillay’s full press conference below.
