Kevin Muscat says Besart Berisha must earn the respect of Melbourne Victory’s players and supporters as the head coach closes in on more signings.
Kevin Muscat says Besart Berisha must earn the respect of Melbourne Victory’s players and supporters as the head coach closes in on more signings.
Albanian striker Berisha, formally unveiled by his new club on Thursday, was public enemy number one for fans outside Queensland after banging in the goals and courting plenty of on-field controversy during his three seasons in the A-League to date.
And while some of the Victory faithful may be wary of embracing one of their chief tormentors of recent times, Muscat believes the new arrival will quickly win over any doubters in the dressing room and the stands.
“I think we’ve got an educated fanbase,” he said.
“Our fans won’t be fooled. I don’t expect anyone to be rolling out the red carpet. The reality is Bes will earn the respect of his team-mates and fans alike. The ball’s certainly in his court. Bes is a cog in a team here that is striving for success.
“We need to get better in all areas, to improve in all areas. And bringing Bes to the football club is one of those areas where we will improve.
“We want to build an environment that leads to inevitability of success. We’ve analysed the season, I’ve certainly done that. We’ve got to improve in every area.”
Berisha joins 50-cap Socceroo Carl Valeri as another high-profile recruit ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.
Muscat confirmed the club still expect to bring in two or three more players, with a defender to replace the departed duo of Pablo Contreras and Adama Traore top of their list, along with a left-sided attacking midfielder.
“A lot of work’s been done,” he said.
“There’s still a couple of pieces of the puzzle. We’ll have one or two announcements. I dare say we’re narrowing in on a couple. Players will be coming to the football club that are going to improve us.
“Losing Pablo, losing a body, we will add to that area.”
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