Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Grant Brebner, is backing his players to be ‘ruthless’ in defence ahead of this Saturday’s A-League visit to Sydney FC.
Following last weekend’s defeat to Adelaide United at Marvel Stadium, Brebner has highlighted a number of defensive errors which led to the Red’s goals.
"I genuinely believe in this team"#MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/YJQcHbLL5R
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 18, 2021
The Sky Blues
In preparation for this weekend’s fixture at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Brebner believes the threat of Sydney FC is consistent and one the squad can plan for in advance.
“We know what Sydney have been doing for a number of years and they have a recognisable team. We need to go and make it uncomfortable for them,” said the Head Coach.
“They’re going to very organised, very hard to beat and they’ll try to kick us when we’re down.
“We know their patterns, we know how they set up defensively and we need to break that down.”
Great insight from Head of Goalkeeping, @ThomasFawdry, on the Goalkeepers' Union at Gosch’s Paddock 🧤 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/YcQ7DJcwXG
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 17, 2021
At the back
“We can highlight the fact that we’re conceding goals in the 18-yard box but collectively, we defend from the front and we all need to do better,” said Brebner.
Victory was without Ryan Shotton, Nick Ansell and Dylan Ryan for the clash with Adelaide, all of which are recovering from injuries.
“We can talk about being an attractive, attacking club but ultimately we need to be strong, ruthless and defensive-minded.
“We’re not getting carved open but we are making poor decisions,” Brebner said.
Jake Brimmer's fourth goal of the season was 👌#MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/1qn3Zuobmo
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 13, 2021
Picking ourselves up
Brebner has reaffirmed his belief in the playing group after a difficult few weeks on the park.
“I believe in this team and I believe we can turn it around,” he said.
“In the here and now, the players have got a target and we need to try to achieve it.
“We need to stand up. Individually, collectively and more importantly for everybody that supports this football club.”