Ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster, Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has been impressed by how Guillermo Amor has turned Adelaide United’s fortunes around this season.
Muscat was the last Hyundai A-League coach to get the better of Amor, with the Spaniard having led Adelaide on an 11-match unbeaten run in Australia’s top tier since Victory defeated the Reds 2-1 on November 28.
Amor faced questions about his future following that loss, which extended Adelaide’s eight-game winless start to the 2015-16 campaign.
But having tweaked Adelaide’s tactics, Amor is reaping the rewards.
Adelaide will face Victory at AAMI Park on Friday to kick off Hyundai A-League Round 20.
“The way they [Adelaide] set up now, I suppose they’re not pressing as high as they used to,” Muscat said on Thursday.
“Naturally there are risks that are associated in pressing high; you’re a little bit more vulnerable with space.
“This way, the way Adelaide sit off – and it’s working very well for them, so it’s a positive from their perspective – they’re a little bit more direct as well.
“When they win the ball back, in transition, they’re a little bit more direct in not trying to keep possession for the sake of possession.
“They’re a good team; they’ve got some form players, so we’re going to have to be at our best tomorrow night.”
Adelaide’s 3-2 win at Central Coast Mariners last week took the Reds to third in the A-League table, a point and two spots ahead of Muscat’s men, who drew 2-2 in the Melbourne derby.
Friday night’s match will be one of five against current top-six sides Victory will have to navigate in the run in to the finals.
The Big V are set to host Adelaide, Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar in their five remaining home games.
“The beauty of that is that if you’re winning games – and obviously that’s our aim – you’re taking points off the opposition immediately surrounding you, and vice-versa – there’s a double-edged sword,” Muscat said.
“So they’re big games and that’s where we want to be and that’s how we want them.”
