Adelaide United’s dual A-League Goalkeeper of the Year Eugene Galekovic has issued a ‘come-get-us’ to Melbourne Victory in response to taunts from across the border ahead of their grudge match at Etihad Stadium.
The Reds head into Friday night’s match with nine consecutive losses against its fiercest rival and the Victory camp have been quick to remind United they are gunning for 10 straight wins over their South Australian opponents.
But Galekovic admitted he isn’t too bothered by Melbourne’s ‘cocky’ attitude, saying with the Reds undefeated and topping the Hyundai A-League ladder and the Victory languishing 11 points behind United, it is Melbourne who are under pressure.
“They can be as cocky as they want – we’re the ones sitting on top of the ladder,” he said.
“They’re the ones that are struggling. It’s going to be hard for them to get the three points so the pressure is on them. We’re on top of the ladder, they’re probably a team that needs the three points more than us.”
The Qanats Socceroo shot stopper said the Reds were committed to taking home all three points and aren’t too concerned about the nine-game losing streak.
“It’s not about getting over the record, it’s about getting another three points. We’ve got a few new boys in the team, they haven’t experienced it so we’re just going out there to get the three points,” he said.
Galekovic denied a baptism of fire awaits star playmaker Marcos Flores who will be playing in his first United-Victory fixture.
With Melbourne’s talismanic captain Kevin Muscat accustomed to dishing out special attention and targeting dangerous opponents, Galekovic said the Reds Argentine maestro will be far too nimble for Victory’s 37-year-old veteran.
“I think he will have to catch him first,” he said.
“But if he does, Marcos will take him. That’s just football he’s going to have to cop it but he’ll keep going the way he’s going.”
Galekovic conceded the fixture will be another epic battle for the Reds, with the Victory looking to respond after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brisbane Roar last week.
United haven’t beaten the Victory in Melbourne since October 2006 and their strong home record isn’t lost on the United keeper.
“They’re a good team always at home. We’re going to Etihad, they’ve only played there once this year and I think they’ve won. It’s always hard to play in Melbourne and obviously they lost last week and they’re going to be dangerous this week,” he said.
Galekovic admitted he has enjoyed the Reds stunning start to the season, seeing less action than last campaign.
Under Dutchman Rini Coolen, Galekovic said it was a joy to watch his team-mates produce beautiful, attacking football.
“It’s actually great playing this year, watching them from the back, it’s great to watch,” he said.
“Last year it wasn’t like that, I was a lot busier and this year has been fantastic, putting the goals away and not so much winning comfortably, but having that lead. Last year we never had that lead as much as we have this year and it’s a lot easier.”
