Sebastian Esposito is keen to prove that Melbourne Victory is the biggest club in Australia.
Melbourne Victory find themselves placed against their bitter interstate rivals in do-or-die conditions on Saturday, May 2, kick-off 7:40pm AEST.
Earning a desirable home fixture after finishing above Sydney FC on the ladder, Victory will enjoy and certainly utilise the support of the AAMI Park faithful to gain an extra edge over the travelling Sky Blues.
Prior to the Boys in Blue on Saturday, the A-League Women’s team will take on Melbourne City in their Ninja A-League Finals Series Semi-Final (Leg 1) matchup at AAMI Park, kick-off 5pm AEST.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Esposito, a boyhood fan and well aware of the Club’s Finals pedigree, is now honoured to run out on the field and play his part on the grandest of stages.
“Biggest club in Australia. I believe, and I know that all the boys here love to play on the big occasions. I know the fans love the big occasion.
“It’s definitely our time to shine and our time to put a stamp on the competition, and make everyone aware that we’re here for the long run.
“I can’t wait to have all the fans there tomorrow, it’s our 12th man, and we’re just excited to perform and give a good show.”
Returning to Australia in the off-season on loan from Italian Serie A club US Lecce, the 21-year-old central defender has been pleased at the growth he has made as a result of playing first-team football for Victory.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot this season. I’ve had a lot of moments this year, good and bad, that have definitely helped me grow. I came here to play games, and I’ve played a lot of games and had a lot of experience.
“As a player, I’ve developed as a whole, from inside, internally, to on the pitch and being able to express myself. I feel like I’ve gained a lot of confidence, and I’m truly looking forward to showing that.”
With one win, one draw and one loss recorded in their three meetings against Sydney this season, Esposito and his teammates are familiar with what the Sky Blues can bring to the table this weekend.
“We obviously know they’ve got a lot of strengths. They’re the best defensive side in terms of conceded goals this year, so we know that we’re going to have to be good offensively and defensively.
“For us, it’s about limiting their strengths and focusing on us, how good we are going forward and how we know we can dictate games, especially at AAMI Park in front of our amazing fans.”
Watch Esposito’s full press conference below.
