Midfielder Robbie Kruse believes Melbourne Victory can atone for successive defeats on the road with a strong showing in the club’s critical block of three home games in 10 days, starting with Saturday’s match against Perth Glory.
The Victory have slipped to third on the Hyundai A-League table following losses to North Queensland (0-1) and the Jets (2-3) either side of New Year.
Kruse cited the hot conditions in Townsville and Newcastle as factors in the results along with a tough schedule which has seen the Victory play at home just once – against Sydney in Round 19 – since November.
“You’ve also got to give a lot of credit to the opponents we played against,” Kruse said.
“They both played well and didn’t let us get into our normal routine.”
“But we’ve fixed it up on the training paddock this week and hopefully with this home game in front of our home fans we’ll put in a good performance and get the three points.”
With three games in a row at Etihad Stadium against Perth, Adelaide the following Saturday and Wellington on Australia Day, Kruse is confident the Victory will secure a spot in the top-two.
“We’re still sitting third on the table with a game in hand,” said Kruse.
“We’re just looking to the three home games in 10 days and hopefully we can win all three of them and look forward to the finals.”
Three months after his switch from Brisbane Roar, Kruse said he was comfortable and settled at the Victory while always looking for ways to improve and develop his game.
Top of his list at the moment are staying focused for 90 minutes and trying not to give the ball away.
“I think I’ve got a lot to go, but I’ve started to hit my straps a little bit,” he said.
“Hopefully I’m fitting into the style that Melbourne want me to play and hopefully the coaching staff are happy with the way I’ve been going.”
“My life is going good now, I’m enjoying everything, I’m enjoying my football.”
“The young boys in the team have really helped me settle down – they’re a good bunch of blokes and really focused on playing football.”
