Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer says his side has plenty to improve on following Saturday night’s scoreless draw in front of more than 45,000 fans at Etihad Stadium.
Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer says his side has plenty to improve on following Saturday night’s scoreless draw in front of more than 45,000 fans at Etihad Stadium.
Speaking at the team’s recovery session, Leijer said all players were disappointed to not have taken all three points in the season-opener.
“It was a difficult game to play in, we never really got a rhythm going and that made it tough for us,” Leijer said.
Press play on the video above to hear Adrian Leijer’s thoughts on the season-opener.
“I wouldn’t say it was more intense than any other Derby. We know what to expect from Derbies now. They set up with a pretty structured game plan and it was our job to break it down and we didn’t achieve that, but that’s something we can work on and something we can get better at.”
Leijer said there were still plenty of positives to come from the game, including solid Melbourne Victory debuts for Pablo Contreras, James Troisi, Mitch Nichols and Rashid Mahazi.
“I thought Mitch was bright, particularly in the first half – he’s an outstanding player – and I think he’s going to add a lot to our side and he’s got a great character and a winning mentality.
“James Troisi I thought was very good, unfortunately he pulled up with a bit of cramp but it’s good to see him playing for us.
“Rashid was very good on debut, young fella in front of 45,000 was a good effort from him and obviously Contreras is a senior pro and a sound defender and it was good to see him out there and good to play next to him.”
Melbourne Victory will now turn its attention to another big game, as the boys in blue head west to take on Adelaide on Friday night.
