Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Grant Brebner, is confident the squad can discover form with a run of five consecutive home games, starting this Sunday against the Newcastle Jets.
Attacker, Callum McManaman has been welcomed back into the squad, as Victory prepares for a run of Melbourne-based fixtures.
Tickets are still available for our upcoming matches against Newcastle and Phoenix at @AAMIPark #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 18, 2021
Five at home
“Moving forward we’ve got five games coming up and after these games we will give us a much better idea of where we are,” Brebner said.
Following back-to-back games at AAMI Park, Victory will host Western United in the first of three home ties at Marvel Stadium.
“We look forward to getting back on AAMI Park, we look forward to playing at Marvel Stadium and we’re looking forward to playing in front of our members and fans.
“I have 100% confidence in my players that we will be up for these games,” said the Head Coach.
The Victory Captain believes the club's upcoming set of home games can be a turning point #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 17, 2021
McManaman
The return of McManaman offers Brebner another dimension in attack, but Victory will be without the creativity of Marco Rojas who continues to recover from a head injury.
“Callum has played one and a half games. One was outstanding,” said Brebner, referring to McManaman’s A-League debut against Brisbane Roar.
“He is an explosive, attacking winger that just loves to go at full-backs and loves to take them on.
“He loves to deliver service into the box and can score a cracker as well,” the Head Coach said.
Gestede and Kruse
Victory’s forward line will also be enhanced by Rudy Gestede, who came off the bench against the Western Sydney Wanderers last week.
“Rudy has limited minutes in him, but I can’t put my finger on how many. That will be reflected in his game time,” said Brebner.
Winger, Robbie Kruse, continues his climb to match fitness and will be another attacking option against Newcastle.
“Kruse has about 60-70 minutes in him and that’s because he has been out for eleven months,” said Brebner.
“Kruse just wants to play, and he wants to win but I’ve got to protect him, as it was only two games ago that he missed a game. We have to be smart and make sure we’re looking after him.”
