Giovanni Savarese believes Melbourne Victory’s recent diary puts them on a solid course going into this weekend’s A-League Men’s opener.
His team have enjoyed thorough preparation for 2026/27, enjoying competitive outings on their route to last weekend’s Hahn Australia Cup Final and being tested in two AFC Champions League Group E outings, winning the most recent of these 3-0 against FC Seoul on Wednesday night.
Now it is into the cut and thrust of the A-League, starting with a Matchweek 1 hop across to New Zealand, where Wellington Phoenix lie in wait at Hnry Stadium on Sunday, October 18, kick-off 1:00pm AEDT.
This is backed up by a Melbourne Derby as Victory’s home opener, slated for Saturday, October 24, kick-off 7:40pm AEDT, at AAMI Park.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Savarese was confident that the schedule is to his players’ benefit.
“It’s better to have had the busy schedule that we had during the pre-season because otherwise it would have become a little bit more difficult to manage so many weeks that we have had. We have played so many matches so far that have prepared us for the start of the A-League.
“It’s the first game, and we need to arrive to this game in the best possible way to make sure that we play our game and try to get the three points.”
Also addressing the media ahead of the new campaign was newly appointed A-League Men’s Captain, Jason Davidson, who is in line to make his 50th appearance for Victory in the competition this weekend.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be the captain of Victory. Thank you to the club, to my teammates, and obviously to the coaching staff for entrusting me with that role and responsibility.
“We’re a big family, and the boys make it easy. We all have a target this year, and everyone’s on the same mission.”
