The lure of winning the club’s first Hyundai A-League title in four years will ensure Victory will quickly recover from their ACL exit, according to Nathan Coe.
The lure of winning the club’s first Hyundai A-League title in four years will ensure Melbourne Victory will quickly recover from their AFC Champions League exit, according to goalkeeper Nathan Coe.
Victory’s ACL campaign came to a frustrating end on Tuesday night after they were held to a scoreless draw with Jeonbuk Motors to miss out on the knockout stage of the tournament.
The side arrived back in Melbourne on Thursday, giving them just a couple of days to prepare before flying to Brisbane for Sunday’s semi-final against premiers Brisbane.
While the disappointment of their ACL exit is still raw, Coe says the players will have no trouble switching the focus back to the A-League and a potential championship for the club.
“One of our main goals from day one of the season has been to win the A-League and we’re in a good position now to do that,” the in-form shot-stopper said in the Herald Sun.
Skipper Mark Milligan, Gui Finkler, James Troisi and Pablo Contreras all didn’t travel to Korea and will come into Kevin Muscat’s side.
“There’s only two games standing in the way, so we don’t really need to have to pick ourselves up because Sunday is such a huge occasion and everyone wants to get to that grand final.
“If we can go on and win the A-League, then we can play in Asia again next season.”
Victory’s hopes of pulling off an upset against Roar have taken a hit with injuries suffered against Jeonbuk likely to rule out Scott Galloway (hamstring) and Jesse Makarounas (hip) while playmaker Tom Rogic (groin) is not expected to play.
Centre back Adrian Leijer also limped off with a recurrence of a foot problem but could be right to at least figure in the squad.
“We can bring anyone in now, not just because we have faith in them, but also because they’ve proven themselves (in the ACL),” Milligan said of Victory’s depth.
“Being in the ACL, every one of our first-grade players has had a chance to show themselves and to get a lot of game time against very good teams.”
Victory will need to overcome a horror record against Brisbane to progress to the decider, winning just one of their last 11 previous meetings between the two sides.
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Hyundai A-League 2014 Semi Final 1
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 5.00pm local ( AEST)
Click here to purchase tickets.
