Star recruit David Williams has slammed his Melbourne Heart teammates for being too friendly and urged them to show their nasty side in Saturday night’s derby with cross town rivals Melbourne Victory.
Williams blamed a lack of aggression for Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Perth Glory at AAMI Park which leaves the Heart anchored to the bottom of the A-League table without a point from two matches.
“We have to be more aggressive and more willing to win the ball,” Williams, who scored from the penalty spot to open his account for his new club, said post-match.
“That’s what we talk about, winning your duels and winning your battles.”
“I think we do that sometimes, but sometimes isn’t good enough.”
The 23-year-old former Fury striker insists there have been no dressing room recriminations for his comments but, just in case his teammates missed them, he was only too happy to follow up with more of the same on Tuesday.
Asked whether it’s time for the Heart to get nasty, he replied: “Yes, definitely … and this game is the perfect occasion.”
“The players are sometimes too friendly and Saturday is a game where we can’t be too friendly.”
“For us it’s do-or-die.”
Williams agreed the Heart will miss club captain Fred – who’s set to be sidelined for at least a fortnight with a hamstring strain – not just for his playmaking skills but for the leadership he provides for a team in transition.
“With the loss of (John) Aloisi and (Josip) Skoko and (Gerald) Sibon it changes the team dramatically,” said Williams.
“It doesn’t have as much experience and, in games like this, that’s what wins you the game, experience.”
Williams said that while expectations within the club remain high, he’s pleased the Heart will go into Saturday’s derby as the underdog.
“It definitely takes the pressure off us to perform when there’s no expectation there,” he said.
“There’s expectation by the coach, the club and especially the players but, with the fans, I’m not exactly sure how they’re feeling.”
“For us to come out here and play our own game is what we want to do.”
“The best test is the biggest test and this would be it.”
