Giovanni Savarese considered Melbourne Victory’s Matchweek 4 duel against Adelaide United as a game of two halves.
The Boys in Blue trailed at the interval but conjured a comeback in South Australia to put them on course for a first win of the A-League Men season.
Jordi Valadon scored from distance for the second weekend running before Keegan Jelacic steered home a second goal in front of the travelling Victory supporters.
It would, however, be honours even at Coopers Stadium, with Joey Garuccio off the bench and onto the scoresheet to sneak the Reds a point.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Savarese offered his reflections on the 70th Original Rivalry bout.
“The game was a battle because both teams were searching for their first win. It was a tough match. I think they had the better of the first half; I think we had the better of the second half until we were conditioned by a red card, and the [injury] time, I don’t know where that came from to give 12 minutes.
“It becomes more difficult when you have to defend with 10 at that time, but it was a big battle, a tough match, and the atmosphere was great.”
The fixture was Victory’s last before the FIFA Men’s international window and their fifth wedged into a busy fortnight of both domestic and continental action.
One player who has certainly thrived during this period is Valadon, and Savarese discussed the midfielder’s contributions after he made it two goals in as many league matches.
“We have to do rotations, both teams have to do rotations, and at the end of the day, we see the players coming in and making a difference. And Valadon has been one of those players that I see developing, growing a lot more, and every performance is better and better every game that we play.”
Watch the full press conference below.
