Jeff Hopkins spoke on his anticipation for Melbourne Victory’s return to the Home of the Matildas in the Ninja A-League this weekend, where they host Perth Glory.
Reflecting on his team’s loss in Wellington before previewing the Glory clash, Hopkins discussed the resilience shown while marking areas of improvement going forward.
“I think the most disappointing thing was the performance in the first half, but what we did in the second half proved that when we’re on, and our attitude’s right and we are switched onto the game, we can go and dictate the terms to good teams.
“It’s quite positive that we did finish the game on the front foot, looking to try to draw and maybe win the game, but I think we’ve got a lot of learning to take out of the first 45 minutes.”
Joking that Perth, who visit on Sunday, November 30, kick-off 4pm AEDT, have shared the same early-season inconsistencies as his own team, the Welshman is aware of what the West Australians are capable of.
“They’ve got a good squad, a hard-working squad, a squad that can score goals as well, so we’re not underestimating them.
“Our quality needs to be there. We need to be good with the ball, we need to use the ball well, we need to keep the ball well, at the right times, go forward and be clinical in front of goal.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to as a whole coming off a defeat, all we want to do is put things right this weekend.”
Hopkins will enjoy the boost of a new recruit who is available for selection this weekend, among a number of positive updates to Victory’s injury list.
“Taylor (Ray) will be in the squad this weekend. She’s in full training now, just got to see what her fitness is like.
“Nicki (Flannery)’s very close back to full training – we are just being careful with her.
“Chelsea’s (Blissett) in a position where she’s starting to build up her training load. If it was down to her, she’d be putting her hand up to play this weekend – that’s the kind of commitment she’s got.
“Sienna (Saveska) has still got three to four weeks before she’s ready to jump in, but she’s basically training fully.”
Back on home soil for Dub Round, Hopkins called out to the Victory faithful to arrive in Bundoora and make their presence felt at the Home of the Matildas.
“Every time we get a big crowd into there, the atmosphere is excellent.
“We want to get as many people out there to see us. We want to build [the Home of the Matildas] into a fortress. We had a win last time without a really great performance, but we are desperate to put in a more complete performance this weekend.”
Watch Hopkins’ full press conference below.
