Skipper Ola Toivonen believes Melbourne Victory’s win over Brisbane Roar will ease some of the pressure that had been building on Marco Kurz’s side.
Victory finally secured their first win of the campaign – and the new Kurz era – with Andrew Nabbout’s first-half goal enough for a 1-0 triumph at Suncorp Stadium.
Nabbout’s strike was not only their first goal from open play this season but ensured a much-needed three points after a draw and loss from the first two matches.
It had led to some serious questions being asked of the four-time Hyundai A-League champions.
Toivonen, who was superb for the visitors and set-up the winning goal, feels the victory will lift the mood at the club.
“It’s a relief,” he admitted to Fox Sports after the match.
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“We’ve been under some pressure this week, when you play for this club it’s always about winning games.
“But we stayed calm, went a little bit back to the basics, the coach was talking about staying together, working for each other.
“I think in the second half we really did that and we came up with the three points.”
With the likes of Toivonen, Nabbout, Elvis Kamsoba and Kristijan Dobras in their side, Victory’s attack can blow any side away on their day.
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https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6097618325001
And their first-half display suggested things are slowly starting to come together with their new-look attack, which still has Robbie Kruse to return.
But Victory had to show a different side to their game after the break, forced to withstand a barrage of pressure from a desperate Roar.
“It [the second half] was a big fight,” coach Marco Kurz said.
“The mentality was very strong from the boys and at the end it was a big win for us and very important, in the way that we played and they way we fought. It was special.
“We could have scored earlier the second [goal] and then in the end you have to fight for the win. I think it was a good signal for the team.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6097637435001
The only downside for Victory was a hamstring injury suffered by Nabbout just 15 minutes after he scored.
“It’s something serious that’s for sure,” said Kurz, when asked about Nabbout’s issue.
Victory have now won their last four matches in a row against Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
They return home next weekend for a derby clash against Western United FC at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, November 2.
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