Ange Postecoglou expects a better level of performance from his players when Melbourne Victory travel to face Central Coast on Saturday.
Ange Postecoglou expects a better level of performance from his players when Melbourne Victory travel to face Central Coast on Saturday.
Victory, missing Archie Thompson through injury and without the suspended Adama Traore, went down 2-1 at home to Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.
Thompson will be sidelined again for the clash against the Hyundai A-League leaders in Gosford, while Traore is set to return at left-back.
But Postecoglou, speaking after training on Friday, preferred not to focus on individuals, calling instead for an improved collective effort.
“I don’t think it was a case of Archie missing last week,” he said.
“We still had moments in our game when we could have capitalised on our good play and we didn’t. So that’s what’s got to improve. It’s not about the individuals … not about Archie or anyone else missing, it’s about us executing out game style better than we did last week.”
Central Coast lead the league standings, one point clear of Western Sydney and six ahead of the Victory.
Striker Daniel McBreen has been a major reason for the Mariners’ success in 2012/13, with the veteran netting 15 goals in 19 appearances to date.
And while Victory have no intention of neglecting their defensive duties, Postecoglou put the onus on his players to make the difference at Bluetongue Stadium.
“We’re not the type of team to focus on one individual,” he said.
“They’re a good side, obviously. They’ve been leading the comp for a while now. Daniel’s been having a great season but he’s one of a number of them who’ve been having great seasons.
“It’s more about us and the way we play then the opposition.”
With six games of the regular season remaining, Saturday’s match in Gosford looms as a key clash in the battle for the minor premiership.
But despite the importance of the prize on offer, Postecoglou’s focus is staying firmly on the pitch.
“The most important thing is we play well and win,” he said.
“It’s not my style going in to games worrying we’re going to lose. So all we’re focused on is trying to play well and win and we’ll have a look at it (the table) after that.”
Marcos Flores is in doubt for the match after limping out of training on Friday with a quad problem.
