Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou said he has all eyes on winning ahead of their final home-and-away clash against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou said he has all eyes on winning ahead of their final home-and-away clash against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.
While Victory might have the potential to decide their finals opponent – results may see them face either Brisbane (fifth) but more likely Sydney (sixth) – Postecoglou said he was only interested in securing three points, and not bothered about results suiting preferential opponents.
“I’m pretty pragmatic on these things, that’s the reality,” he said.
“We had 19,000 (fans) on Thursday night, we had 22,000 last night, we’re going to have a big crowd in Perth tonight,” he added, referring to the final-round crowds.
“If anyone thinks that Australian football doesn’t need those sort of crowds, and those sort of numbers, then they’re kidding themselves.
“So whatever philosophical or ideological arguments we have, that’s the reality of sport in this country.
“If people think coaches go around contriving results, most coaches are all in the business of winning games of football.
“And from our perspective tomorrow, regardless of what happens tonight, we want to go in there and play well tomorrow and be ready for next week.”
Postecoglou confirmed internationals Marco Rojas (New Zealand) and Australian pair Mark Milligan and Archie Thompson were all fit to take to the field at Westpac Stadium, while also revealing he would blood debutant Jason Geria at left-back.
“We brought him down halfway through the year from Brisbane,” Postecoglou said of the former Roar player.
“He’s someone who played with the Under-20s (Young Socceroos) in the qualifiers, did quite well there and he’s a good strong defender.
“We’ve been playing him more as a central defender, but obviously with the full-back positions, we’re trying a few things and we’re going to give him an opportunity at right full-back tomorrow.”
Postecoglou also said midfielder Billy Celeski wouldn’t start, given he is on the brink of a suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards. One more caution would see the 27-year-old earn a one-week ban.
