Arthur Diles praised the robust spirit of his Melbourne Victory players after they recorded a Saturday night win over Adelaide United.
The second part of the Original Rivalry double header went the same way as the A-League Women’s clash, with the home team deservedly taking all three points in their final home game before Christmas.
At AAMI Park, Victory netted in either half to sink the Reds, whose late consolation, scored by Dylan Pierias, was the only blot on a performance that secured a second win of the 2025/26 season for the Boys in Blue.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Diles detailed how the camaraderie in the playing group and the unity developed as a result of this helped deliver success over Adelaide.
“That’s what culture builds and creates, and in the end, you keep working. When things don’t go your way, you hit a brick wall, you have got a choice: you turn back and run, or you find a way to climb it or go around it or break through it, and that’s what they’ve done.
“In the end, things aren’t perfect at the moment, but we’re a family, and we know families aren’t always perfect, but if they stick together, they can get through anything.”
Victory’s breakthrough came after 24 minutes of action, with Nikos Vergos showing great attacking instinct to slide home Jordi Valadon’s accurate pick out.
The Greek striker then made it two for the hosts just moments into the second half, heading home Juan Mata’s superb cross.
Diles was delighted to see Vergos open his account for the campaign, praising his continued application, but challenged him and his teammates to show more of this ruthless edge when opportunities come their way.
“Today, he showed his quality, and I expect that every week he gets his chance. Today, he was due a chance, and he’s worked ever so hard at training to turn things around. Put a lot of work in the front third.
“The two goals tonight are beautiful goals. I’m pretty disappointed there wasn’t another couple at least. I thought we could have been a little bit more clinical.”
Watch Diles’ full press conference below.
