Victory’s Callum McManaman is determined to help the club climb the ladder, after returning from injury in time to face the Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park this Sunday.
In his second A-League appearance for the club, McManaman sustained an ankle injury and has spent the last few weeks rebuilding his fitness.
Recovery
“I’ve got a week of training under my belt and I’m feeling good,” said the Englishman.
“We’ve got three games in six days so I might need to be managed a bit but I’m ready to go.”
McManaman scored on his A-League debut against Brisbane Roar but has missed Victory’s last four matches.
“Going to the games and only being able to watch has been frustrating. I’ve been desperate to get involved and I’m glad to finally be back out there,” he said.
What a goal by @cm_macca to bring us level! #MVCvBRI 1-1 #ALeague @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/iajVBdh8PM
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) January 2, 2021
Pressure
Having made 46 Premier League appearances, McManaman believes he is accustomed to playing under pressure and will feed off the atmosphere created by Victory’s members and fans.
“Our fans expect us to win and that’s what we want, that’s what we need and that’s what we thrive off,” said the Evertonian.
“I’ve been at clubs like Sunderland where there’s 40,000 fans there every week. They expect to win every game as well so that’s the expectation the players have to deal with.
“We need to perform now and we need to start getting points on the table for the fans,” said McManaman.
🗣 Brebs on the importance of Sunday's game.#MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/vTRRdCXm2c
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) February 19, 2021
Hunger
After twelve years competing in England’s top two tiers, McMananman feels motivated by the decision to move his career Down Under.
“I wanted to try something different to be honest. There’s a lot going on back home and when the offer from Brebs came in I found it hard to turn down,” he said.
“Being here is a fresh challenge for me and I feel hungry again.”
