ICYMI here’s what Head Coach Tony Popovic had to say ahead of Sunday’s Melbourne Derby Elimination Final.
On the health and fitness of the squad…
“We certainly hope and anticipate that will be the same in a couple of days with a couple more training sessions to come. But yeah, we’re all excited and looking forward to as you say a big Derby, a big elimination game. This is what you train and plan for and play all year for to have such a big game and we’re proud to be part of it.”
On the fitness of Olyroos players Ryan Teague, Nishan Velupillay and Jordi Valadon…
“We are prepared and willing to accept if it needs to go to 120 and penalties, you have to be ready for it. That’s the situation we’re in. But yeah, I expect all three boys to be fit and available.”
On Jason Geria’s successful suspension appeal…
“We expect him to come back into the side and there was a bit of an anxious wait for him as well. But he trained really well last week he did some extra work in the hope that it would fall our way in terms of the resolution of the appeal and yeah, we’re all delighted that he’s available.”
On the excitement of a Melbourne Derby Elimination Final…
“You feel the difference from last week’s training where they trained well leading into the game. There was a lot of emotion obviously with Broxy and a few other things that we’re preparing for that week, but this week is certainly different. You know, you can see it in their eyes. You can see it in training.”
“It’s a game they can’t wait to play in, to be a part of and there’s healthy competition for places, the whole squad’s excited. Everyone’s played a part in getting us to this point where we finished third in the league. It’s a big match coming up and we’re expecting a big crowd and a lot of support. Together with our fans, you know, we want to get through this game.”
On improving from the late loss to the Wanderers…
“We actually haven’t gone into too much detail about the game. We touched on it, of course, we had a fantastic start, scored two very, very nice goals, which was really pleasing and our attacking play. We probably relaxed a little and played a side that was desperate. So we realise that when you drop off slightly, even 10%, you can get punished. We accept what happened. We know we need to improve on that and have full focus for the entire game.”
On the form of Melbourne City…
“(City’s form) is not surprising. I think, for most people, they know the quality that Melbourne City has. They’ve played three final-type games where they needed to win. They have individuals that can play big games, that have played big games and know how to deal with those moments.”
“We know what we’re up against. We’ve played them three times this year and every game’s been close and tight and full of passion, full of excitement. We know this will be no different and the volume gets turned up a little bit more in this game, both on and off the field, I’m sure with the fans. We respect them and we know they have some fantastic players, but you know, so do we and we’ll be ready for the game.
On beating City…
“We have to build from what we’ve shown so far in the three games. You have to bring your all-round game and you have to improve on it and dial it up. It’s finals and whatever intensity we’ve had so far in the games (against City), I’m sure they’ll be higher. I’m sure the speed of the game will be higher. You know, we want to play our part in being able to handle all those moments and make sure that the details fall on our side.”
On winning the Championship…
“We go into this believing that we can win the whole thing. I don’t know about the other sides, but we certainly do. You have to tick each box and the first box we need to tick is this one, this is the most important game. It’s a one-off game and it’s a special game and you know we still want to be in with a chance of winning the title come Monday.”
