Melbourne Victory head coach Tony Popovic refused to confirm if he will persist with goalkeeper Ivan Kelava for Saturday’s Isuzu UTE A-League clash against Central Coast Mariners.
Kelava was underwhelming in Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers, getting caught in no man’s land for the opening goal before giving away a penalty which left FFA Cup champions Victory without a league win since Boxing Day.
While he said those around his goalkeeper needed to do better, Popovic was non-committal as to whether the Croatian shot-stopper would don the gloves for the Mariners’ visit to AAMI Park in a rematch of the FFA Cup (Australia Cup) decider.
“We’ll review it to see what we can do better before it got to that situation,” Popovic said.
“Of course Ivan will review his work. I stick by him whether he plays or not.
“If a player doesn’t start a game it’s not about being happy (or unhappy) with a player.
“Whoever is selected for this match, the players that aren’t selected are still expected to be ready to play.
“I’ve not said that he’s going to start or not start. We could’ve done better before the ball got in the box and Ivan could’ve done better with the decisions.”
Matt Acton is the most likely contender to come in should Popovic wish to make a change.
Victory had an impressive start to life under Popovic capped by a win over the Mariners in the cup final.
Aside from that, the last few weeks have been difficult viewing with Victory losing three on the spin.
But Popovic is upbeat they can turn their fortunes around.
“The feeling isn’t so low. Losing three games in such a short space of time is certainly not ideal,” he said.
“We have to remember that when we played here in the cup final we were on a very good run and near the top of the table.
“Ten days later we haven’t played poorly and have lost games. We haven’t played well so we have an opportunity to put a good performance in.
“If we can get that right here at home – we’re comfortable here – I’m confident we will get the three points we desire.”
Captain Josh Brillante will be back on deck after serving a one-game suspension.
