The success or failure of Melbourne Victory’s 2014-15 campaign will rest on the outcome of the Hyundai A-League Grand Final against Sydney FC on Sunday, according to Guilherme Finkler.
Having assembled a talented squad and begun their preparations way back in July – four months before the season was due to begin – Kevin Muscat’s team went on to win the Premiers’ Plate by three points, before defeating local rivals Melbourne City FC to book a home decider.
And while some teams beaten in a grand final have consoled themselves with their status as premiership winners, Victory’s Brazilian playmaker insisted the outcome of the clash with the Sky
Blues at AAMI Park will define how the current crop of players are remembered.
“It becomes the whole season in 90 minutes,” he said.
Grand Final preview: Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
“When we started the pre-season we were looking to be involved in this game. And now it’s two days to go … we’ve got to prepare physically.
“I think everyone is already prepared mentally. We’ve got to be more hungry [than Sydney] to win the game and be successful. Who will be more concentrated and better prepared is going to win.”
Despite all attempts to maintain a normal atmosphere in the dressing room, a slight change in mood among the players was inevitable, although Finkler claimed it’s been a positive shift.
“More excitement than tension,” he said.
“Everyone [wanted] to be in the grand final. We are in the grand final. It’s the biggest game in the season. Everyone is looking forward to Sunday.”
The 29-year-old also confirmed he considers the impending showdown with Graham Arnold’s men to be the biggest match of his career to date, but not in the manner you might expect.
“I would say yes, because soccer changes so quickly,” he said when asked the inevitable question.
“It’s about moments. The moment I’m living right now, it’s a grand final. I would always pick the game that I have in front of me, it’ll be the most important.
“So yes, it’s a grand final and it’s the biggest game that I will be involved in.”
