Welcome to Best of the Press, where aleagues.com.au brings you everything you need to know from coach and player press conferences in the lead-in to the weekend’s action.
It’s Round 9 in the Isuzu UTE A-League, so ahead of another weekend of top-class football, take a listen to what some of the league’s head coaches and players have had to say ahead of their respective matches.
WEEKEND PREVIEW: What you need to know for Round 9 of the Isuzu UTE A-League
INS & OUTS: Round 9: Victory given huge Derby boost, star winger returns from injury
‘It’s always a fixture you look forward to: good atmosphere, two good teams going at it, head to head.’ – Behich pumped for Melbourne Derby
Melbourne City and Socceroos star Aziz Behich is trying to contain his excitement for this weekend’s Melbourne Derby, saying the fact he missed the last match against Melbourne Victory means he is extra motivated to get out and perform in front of a heaving crowd.
Meanwhile after their AFC Champions League draw with FC Seoul, coach Aurelio Vidmar addressed the health of City and Socceroos key player, Mathew Leckie.
Victory coach Arthur Diles went into detail about the injury comeback of Nishan Velupillay, stressing his importance to both Melbourne Victory and the Australia national side.
Watch the full press conference from both captain and each coach, below.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
MATCH PREVIEW: Steamy night set for Macarthur FC v Brisbane Roar showdown
“The standards come from our culture, that we live by every day…”
Brisbane Roar coach Michael Valkanis is bullish about his side’s preparation to take on Macarthur in Campbelltown on Friday evening, identifying their culture as the cornerstone of the form that sees them sitting in third on the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder.
Watch the full press conference below.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
‘We pride ourselves on keeping clean sheets’ – Corica confident with Wanderers in their sights
This weekend sees Auckland FC head to CommBank Stadium for a huge match against Western Sydney Wanderers.
The New Zealand club sit second on the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder, with three points the only result they are looking towards.
Western Sydney Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic, meanwhile, knows Auckland FC will be a tough task for his side.
Take a listen to both coaches’ press conferences below.
WATCH: This week’s emotional episode of The Warm Up
‘Adelaide United are a talented team…we are looking forward to a very difficult game’
Newly-installed full-time Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths is not taking their opposition lightly, as fifth-placed Glory take on sixth-placed Adelaide United on Saturday night on the west coast.
Watch his full press conference below.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
‘As a group we’ve recognised some of the mistakes we have continued to make’
Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer is frank about his side’s struggles of late, but maintains optimism ahead of their home match against Central Coast Mariners this weekend.
Watch his full press conference below.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE
