Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe says his side are not worrying about derby rivals Melbourne Heart in the lead-up to Saturday’s big clash.
Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe says his side are not worrying about derby rivals Melbourne Heart in the lead-up to Saturday’s big clash.
The Socceroo was responding to questions about how his side would deal with replacements for Vince Grella and Aziz Behich, who both departed the Heart this week.
“I think at Victory we concentrate more about the style of play we want to play and what we need to do to take the game to our opponents,” Coe said.
“Of course we look at the opposition but our focus is on ourselves.
“If new players are coming in, it won’t really affect our strategy or our tactics so the majority (of planning) will be all about us and how we want to attack and perform.”
Victory captain Adrian Leijer echoed Coe’s statements, adding that Sydney star Alessandro Del Piero was not singled out in pre-game preparations last week.
“We are focussed on what we wanted to do on the football pitch and that’s showing in the way we’re playing,” he said.
“We’re dominating a lot of games now and it’s enjoyable to play in that team.”
Ange Postecoglou’s side have pushed into the top two for the first time this season and Leijer said the Victory are keen to continue their rise.
“We have a coach that sets high standards and before the Sydney game, his message to us was ‘let’s get the three points today and then lets really have a crack at top spot’,” Leijer said.
“It’s a good time to be involved with the club, we’re playing some good football and we still know we can get better which is probably the most exciting thing.”
Young star Marco Rojas netted two goals against Sydney on Australia Day, taking his tally to 12 for the season, and the New Zealand international has been subject of speculation linking him with a move to European giants Liverpool and Juventus.
“I think it’s good that there are so many people caring about his next decision because he’s such a talent,” Leijer said of Rojas.
“He needs to make a decision where the club he goes to suits his style of football and that might be to stay at Melbourne Victory another 12 months.
“He’s got a good network around him and he’s got a fantastic coach here who will give him good advice. I’ve said to him, ‘just listen to your coach here and take that on board’.”
