Melbourne Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic has asked his team to use the discipline and composure of his youngest player as the template for an assured and mature performance in Friday’s Melbourne derby.
Melbourne Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic has asked his team to use the discipline and composure of his youngest player as the template for an assured and mature performance in Friday’s Melbourne derby.
Petar Franjic was given his chance to establish himself in the centre of defence when Rody Vargas was suspended a month ago.
The teenager has grabbed the chance with both hands and led the way with his composed efforts at the back, which according to his coach, prove that no player can afford to find themselves out of the team.
He said he has spoken to his players about discipline in the wake of Billy Celeski’s send off last week, their fifth in 11 games this season.
“We have already spoken about that and for me it is totally unacceptable,” Durakovic said. “But we have got to move on and it is also gives the other guys a chance to come in.”
“You have a look at what Petar Franjic has done in the past three weeks. He has been fantastic at centre back.”
“It is disappointing with those red cards, but it also gives the other boys an opportunity to step in and say ‘here I am Mehm’.”
“They will know what is at stake and they won’t want to get a red card because sooner or later someone else will come into their position and will take it again.”
Durakovic is adamant that in-form striker Archie Thompson will be able to play the full 90 minutes of what is expected to be a hotly contested match.
He also has every confidence in the form his side take into a crucial match which could vault them up the table.
“I am very happy with the way we are going at the moment. We have had four great games with some great results in the last month so I am very happy with the way our football has been going,” he said.
“Our team structure, our team shape, our passing, our communication between the players, especially up front with Harry, Archie and Carlos. It is going along really well. We are creating chances.”
But he is also very wary of the opposition, knowing that Heart have won five of their past six matches and will be fired up for such a big match.
“They have got very good experienced players and youngsters as well,” he said. “All of a sudden they are playing the football that John wants them to play, so it is fantastic to see.”
“It is fantastic for both of the clubs to be up there.”
“For us we want to put on a great show for our supporters, our blue and white army.”
“I know it is an away game for us, but for me and the players it will be like a home game because with our supporters and our fans, our blue and white army, hopefully they will come out in droves and support us because we have got some good players on board.”
“It is fantastic to have a derby in Melbourne.”
