Giovanni Savarese has spoken to the media following Melbourne Victory’s 2026 Hahn Australia Cup Final defeat.
His team, heartbreakingly, lost the showpiece clash with South Melbourne FC on penalties at a jam-packed AAMI Park, applying an unwelcome full stop to a memorable cup for the Boys in Blue.
Victory had led the Final through substitute Denis Genreau’s extra-time goal, only for Max Mikkola, who also came off the bench, to level at the death and force the decisive shootout.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Savarese acknowledged where the chance of a trophy escaped his team on Saturday night.
“It was a proper Australia Cup [Final], the way it should be. I think it would be remembered as one of the most iconic. Unfortunately, I wish we leave with the trophy.
“It is exactly the scenario that we expected, and we just had to get the job done before we went to the PKs. Allowing that goal at the end definitely was a difficult moment for us, and we should have found the second goal earlier because we did have those opportunities to be able to kill the game.”
Defeat doubtless stings for Victory and the loyal supporters, but attention swiftly turns to the adventure of the 2026/27 season.
FC Seoul visit Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday, October 14, kick-off 6:45pm AEDT, before the A-League Men’s campaign gets underway at Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, October 18, kick-off 1:00pm AEDT.
“Now we have to pass the page and be ready for Wednesday and be ready for Sunday because games come right away, and we want to compete in everything.
“We want to win everything, that didn’t happen today, but we’ll continue to be strong-minded. The players are ready, and reflection is important to do it tonight. And tomorrow we’ll be ready for Wednesday. “
