Arthur Diles wants Melbourne Victory to seize the opportunity in the Christmas Derby on Saturday night.
Melbourne City host the Isuzu UTE A-League face-off at AAMI Park on Saturday, December 20, kick-off 7:35pm AEDT, the second meeting between the two sides in the 2025/26 season.
The first of these went 0-2 the way of City last month, despite Diles’ team creating a raft of chances to take at least a share of the spoils.
Victory head into the Melbourne Derby’s latest showdown buoyed by last weekend’s success over Adelaide United, secured courtesy of a Nikos Vergos brace.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Diles assessed the opposition and outlined the importance of backing up the Original Rivalry win.
“[I expect] a very tough game. They’re a very good side, reigning champions from last year. We know that, like every good team in the A-League, they are there to be beaten as well. And for us, last week means nothing if we don’t turn up tomorrow with the same or a better mentality.”
He added, “I’ve always said there’s a lot of pressure at this club for everyone involved. You know the pressure is now, you’ve got to back it up again, and then that’s what we’re looking forward to tomorrow night – keep going and building momentum.”
Although not a direct impact on the upcoming fixture, there were many plus points from the Head Coach on the injury front.
Diles provided injury updates on Reno Piscopo, Franco Lino and Brendan Hamill, who suffered an ACL injury back in May.
“It’s getting positive. Reno’s now joined the team this week for the first time, which is fantastic. That’s going to be like a new signing. Lino got his first minutes last week in the NPL side, so he’s not far away either.
“Early in the new year, I hope we can unleash both of them and give us even more strength as a squad, more competition for places, more quality.
“And BJ has come along really well as well. And I think he’s had his final test today, this morning, and then he should be able to join the team next week in full training as well.”
Watch Diles’ full press conference below.
