Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat was seething at his side’s performance after they were belted 3-0 by Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat was seething at his side’s performance after they were belted 3-0 by Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
After an even start to the game, Victory fell apart following Liam Miller’s goal midway through the first half and then capitulated in the second stanza with Matt McKay and Dimitri Petratos finding the net.
Muscat put the whole squad on notice after being concerned at how they reacted to going behind against the A-League leaders.
“Regardless of what was at stake, it just simply wasn’t good enough,” Muscat said.
“I thought we started really well, created a good chance and then something I haven’t seen in a very long time (happened); we conceded a goal and just seemed to crumble.
“I thought the first 20-25 minutes we gave as good as we got but from there on in, we got completely dominated.
“All of us are going to have to look in the mirror and take responsibility for ourselves and analyse our own performances individually and bounce back next week.”
Mitch Nichols was hauled off at half-time for ‘tactical reasons’ according to Muscat, with the attacking midfielder reportedly unhappy at having a bid by Japanese club Cerezo Osako rejected.
“I didn’t say (Nichols’) head wasn’t right,” Muscat said.
“I just said he came off at half-time not because he was injured, so therefore it’s tactical.
“He has a lot on his mind so I’ve changed the tactics and I’ve changed the play.”
Muscat angrily denied that Nichols was leaving the club, stating he is a contracted player who will remain at Victory until a bid is accepted.
Captain Adrian Leijer was sent off for two bookable offences in the second half in which Muscat described as ‘poor decision’.
With Nick Ansell unavailable because of Young Socceroos duty, the coach had some welcome news for fans with Chilean defender Pablo Contreras likely to return from injury to bolster a depleted defence.
“Pablo should be fine and I think we have one or two that can step in there also,” Muscat said.
Veteran striker Archie Thompson should also be available for next week’s contest against the Newcastle Jets after missing the past month with a hamstring injury.
