Arthur Diles believes the message of taking accountability established during pre-season is serving his team well as they go after three valuable points.
Melbourne Victory have the opportunity to take their first Isuzu UTE A-League win since the end of October when Adelaide United cross into Victoria for the Original Rivalry double header this weekend.
Last time out, away to Macarthur FC in Round 7, an unwanted three-game losing run was ended thanks to a goalless encounter with the Bulls.
The Head Coach was not, however, in the mood to celebrate the draw and clean sheet in New South Wales, and expects all his players to take it upon themselves to push for more every match day.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Diles discussed how, irrespective of results, fronting up to responsibility and pushing each other forward is a topic of conversation behind the scenes.
“That’s something, as a group, we do consistently. We’ve done that from pre-season. That’s not just something you look at during tough moments or difficult moments.
“They’re situations and circumstances that you want to address on a weekly basis, and that’s the culture you want to create. When things are going well, you still have to hold people accountable.”
Airton Andrioli’s Adelaide will be hosted at AAMI Park on Saturday, December 13, kick-off 7:35pm, but expect pleasantries to be few and far between in the latest instalment of the Original Rivalry.
The fixture, last played in March, when the Boys in Blue ran out 5-3 winners, has produced some of the domestic game’s most fiery clashes – as well as some pretty memorable ones for Victory. This includes legendary Grand Final wins in 2007 and 2009.
One player who needs little to no education on the history between the clubs of Victoria and South Australia is Adelaide-born Victory midfielder Louis D’Arrigo, with Diles excited to see him make his mark after returning to the field following his recovery from the injury list.
“He was flying in pre-season and doing ever so well, and being the player that we signed him to be, and now it’s about him finding his rhythm, his momentum and his mojo.
“He’s improving week by week, which is fantastic, and I hope tomorrow is a night for him to show his true quality and leadership on that pitch.”
Watch Diles’ full press conference below.
