Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat chose not to publicly stake a claim to a possible clash with Real Madrid next year but has welcomed the coup of luring the International Champions Cup to the city in 2015.
It was confirmed last week the next edition of the pre-season invitational tournament would include an Australian leg, with UEFA Champions League holders Madrid and two other powerhouse European sides – believed to be Manchester City and Inter Milan – to be announced in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid in Australia next yearÂ
Last year Victory broke new ground by hosting a friendly with Premier League giants Liverpool at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for the forthcoming ICC games.
And the coach of the navy blue and whites – like most football fans on these shores – is excited by the prospect of more heavyweight sides heading Down Under.
“If recent clubs that have come out are anything to go by, I think it’s outstanding that we maintain bringing out the bigger clubs and performing against club sides here in Australia,” he said.
It remains to be seen if Victory can arrange a standalone friendly against one of the ICC participants.
Madrid did not play a local side during their North American tour earlier this year, but Manchester United took on Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy, fueling hope a similar arrangement can be made with Hyundai A-League sides.
However, when asked if he fancied having a crack at Madrid or one of the other heavy hitters, Muscat remain tight-lipped.
“We’ll get through Adelaide tomorrow night and then I’m happy to discuss anything you want,” he said with a wry smile, referring to Friday’s Round 8 Hyundai A-League clash at AAMI Park.
“Let’s get through Adelaide.”
On a more serious note, Muscat expressed his regret at seeing a fellow member of the Hyundai A-League’s coaching fraternity lose his job, with Brisbane Roar FC sacking title-winner Mike Mulvey last weekend, two days after their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Victory in Melbourne.
“It’s a difficult one, I don’t think we can be surprised at anything that happens, especially in our code,” he said.
 “It is disappointing to see someone relieved of their duties, without doubt.”
