Melbourne Victory’s Robbie Kruse has confronted the challenge ahead, as the club prepares to renew its rivalry with Sydney FC on Saturday night.
Victory faces three away games in New South Wales, starting with the Sky Blues before facing Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners.
Kruse confronts the challenge ahead 👊 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/pmcmW1aOyp
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 19, 2021
Game plan
Ahead of the clash at Jubilee Stadium, Kruse believes Victory can change its approach in order to gain points on the road.
“When your back is against the wall you have to change your mindset a little bit,” Kruse said.
“We’ve spoken about that this week with Brebs – not losing the game, being tighter at the back and a little less adventurous, with being away from home.
“I can’t remember us getting too many draws in this year and a half, so we need to be smarter in that aspect,” said Kruse.
Fighting for points
Kruse has also assessed Victory’s recent performances and is determined help the club climb the A-League ladder.
“Against Adelaide I thought the first half was really good,” said the forward.
“At half-time I thought there was only one team winning the game, but we shot ourselves in the foot and we found a way to lose.
“Things can change quickly in football. It’s about coming together as a team, as players, as a club and fighting our way out of it because that’s the only option we have.”
Our squad for #SYDvMVC is in, thanks to @MetriconHomes!
See who's on the plane to NSW ✈️ #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 19, 2021
Leadership
With a number of key defenders missing this weekend and striker, Rudy Gestede, sidelined through injury, Kruse may play a more central role in the Victory line-up.
“I’m just trying to lead by example and do my best to help the team,” he said.
“We have a few players missing again this weekend but we can only fight and try to pull our way back.
“We need to start stringing some wins or some points together. The ladder is still very tight but when you’re down in last, things don’t go your way.”
