Melbourne Victory are ready to attack an in-form Wellington Phoenix, says Johnathan Clemente.
The hosts’ final outing of the month, on Friday, February 20, kick-off 7pm AEDT, at The Home of The Matildas, pits seventh against second.
Wellington have won four of their last five to launch themselves into the slipstream of league leaders Melbourne City, who Victory held to a goalless draw last weekend.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, ALW Senior Assistant Coach, Clemente, made note of the Phoenix’s run of results, but believes they have areas of exposure for Victory to get after.
“Wellington are a good side, credit to Bev (Priestman) and her coaching staff. They’ve had a couple of injuries, but they’ve replaced them quite well.
“Every team is going to give us a bit of a different opposition and different challenge, but I’m pretty confident with Jeff (Hopkins) as the Head [Coach], our staff and our players, that we’ve found a couple of weaknesses that we look forward to showing tomorrow night.”
Clemente has held a variety of positions during his four years working at the Club, many within the ALW program, ensuring he is well-versed on the development of the team’s younger players.
And he spoke to the progression of defender Laura Pickett, who has made 10 Ninja A-League appearances this season, including nine starts.
“I’ve coached Laura since she was about 15 years old, at the Club and in our pathways programs. To see where she’s come through, and all of her success in recent years and how she’s cemented a starting spot, all through her character and hard work.
“There’s not many people who actually work harder than her. She’s a machine in the gym, and she’s continued to work on herself, and her football has come a long way. Super excited and proud to see how far she’s come.”
Watch Clemente’s full press conference below.
