Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou says he wants to lure at least one foreign player to the club before tapping into the local market.
Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou says he wants to lure at least one foreign player to the club before tapping into the local market.
Speaking ahead of the Victory’s friendly against Greek champions Olympiacos, Postecoglou signalled his intent to sign a player from abroad within the next fortnight following the departure of Costa Rican star Carlos Hernandez.
Victory were interested in former Gold Coast United captain Michael Thwaite before he reportedly agreed to terms with Perth Glory, but Postecoglou insisted his priorities lie overseas.
“We had a look at Michael and we’ve had a look at a lot of players, but it’s funny how we’ve missed out on a lot of players we weren’t going for,” Postecoglou said.
“The ones we get you’ll hear about.
“There are no secrets about it, our first one or two signings will be foreigners, they won’t be local players and until we do that I don’t even be looking at the local market.”
The Victory released former Hyundai A-League player of the year Hernandez after negotiations broke down, with Postecoglou keen to move on in the rebuilding of his squad.
“Carlos has been a fantastic servant to the club and I’m sure all the supporters will remember him fondly,” Postecoglou said.
“But I need that opportunity to start moulding the squad the way I want to and that decision being made now allows me to move forward.
“All the uncontracted players have been dealt with now, so everyone else is contracted and will be at the club.”
Victory host Olympiacos at Etihad Stadium on Saturday in what will be Greek-born Postecoglou’s first game in charge following his move from the Brisbane Roar, where he won back-to-back A-League championships.
“I’ve only been here a couple of weeks but it’s exciting that the first game is against such a big opponent,” Postecoglou said.
“A lot of people will come out to see Olympiacos play and a lot of people will be curious about us playing.
“Being of Greek origin, they’re not a club I support, so I’d like to knock them off.”
While Postecoglou has been at his new club less than a month, his Olympiacos counterpart Ernesto Valverde is on his way out, having recently announced he will leave the Greek side after three seasons – all of which resulted in league triumphs.
“Ernesto Valverde for him to last as long as he has in Greek football he’s got to be a super coach because they go through them pretty quickly,” Postecoglou said.
Valverde, who arrived with Olympiacos in Melbourne on Wednesday, admitted he knew little about the Victory but was looking forward to playing in front of an expected crowd of at least 30,000.
“It’s my first time (in Australia) and I think it’s the first time for many players,” Valverde said.
“Most important for this game is to be closer to the people that support us.”
