Boom signing Chris Ikonomidis sees no evidence of scars left from Melbourne Victory’s annus horribilis as he targets immediate A-League Men’s success with his new club.
Four-time ALM champions Victory were handed their first wooden spoon in June after a woeful campaign that reached a low point when Grant Brebner was sacked as coach.
But the fallen power club have since made a series of impressive acquisitions as part of what they hope will be a rapid resurrection under new boss Tony Popovic.
Matthew Spiranovic, Josh Brillante, Jason Davidson, Brendan Hamill, Jason Geria and Nick D’Agostino have all joined Ikonomidis in a new-look squad that the Socceroos attacker believes is capable of challenging for honours.
“We’re looking very good,” Ikonomidis said ahead of Victory’s season opener against cross-town rivals Western United on Saturday night.
“We’ve signed some very experienced players and under this boss we work very hard, and everyone buys into the project.
“I wasn’t here last season, so I’m not quite sure what the culture was, but from what I’ve seen in the last few months since I signed, it’s been fantastic.
“I’ve enjoyed coming into work every day and can’t wait to get started.”
One of several Victory signings who have played under Popovic at other clubs, Ikonomidis missed most of last season with Perth Glory because of a knee injury.
The 26-year-old returned late in the campaign and found a rich vein of goal-scoring form that saw him recalled to the Socceroos squad.
Two stints in quarantine were speed bumps in his preparation for 2021-22, but Ikonomidis is fit and excited to link up with Popopvic again.
“He’s a coach that gets the best out of me and equally gets the best out of everyone that plays under him,” Ikonomidis said.
“Playing for a coach and a team that’s going to be challenging for (trophies) is an obvious decision for me.”
Ikonomidis is equally eager to hit the pitch alongside talented attacking players Marco Rojas, Robbie Kruse and Ben Folami, plus fellow recruits D’Agostino and Francesco Margiotta.
“We can all kind of give our own little dynamic edge to the front third and play one similar style,” Ikonomidis said.
“Hopefully you can see a brand of Victory football that’s entertaining to watch and also effective.”
Victory have announced former Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC and Melbourne City midfielder Brillante as club captain for the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old has signed for three seasons at Victory after a brief spell under Popovic at Greek outfit Xanthi.
