What a difference five weeks makes for Carlos Salvachua.
On January 24, nine days after taking the reins of Melbourne Victory after Marco Kurz’ sacking, Salvachua’s side were given a footballing lesson at AAMI Park by Sydney FC.
The comprehensive 3-0 defeat was a new low point in a disappointing season for the four-time Champions and left many wondering how on earth Salvachua would turn it around.
But the Spaniard believes the difference between Victory on that night and now is night and day, as the Navy Blue prepare to host the Sky Blues at Marvel Stadium on Saturday evening (7.30pm kick off).
“Yes, [we have improved] in everything,” he said.
“The players understand better what I want. For me, the key is more training and we have more capacity to be the protagonists in the games.
“And to adapt as well during the games. We have more clear ideas.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6137190665001
MATCH PREVIEW: Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
STATS PREVIEW: Is a Big Blue battle just the tonic for Sydney FC to hit back?
“They [Sydney] are the best team in the league, it is clear, not just against us but against all the teams.
“It’s not easy for any team in the A-League with them.
“Now I think we are in a better moment, every day, every training we are better than the day before. The mentality of the players is more stronger than a few weeks ago.”
Sydney enter the clash a huge 23 points ahead of their fierce rivals on the ladder. Arguably, the gap between the two grand Hyundai A-League powerhouses has never been greater.
However, the Sky Blue machine has encountered some recent speed bumps.
Having fallen 4-0 to Ange Postecoglou’s Yokohama, lost 1-0 to Western Sydney Wanderers last Friday, and conceded a late equaliser to Jeonbuk on Wednesday night, Steve Corica’s side have just one win from their previous four matches in all competitions, against Central Coast Mariners (3-0) on February 23.
Any complacency from the reigning Champions would leave Victory – who beat Adelaide United 2-1 last time out – ready to pounce and give momentum to what is an outside chance at a top-six assault.
“They [Sydney] have the opportunity to lose games – five or six – and they will [still] finish in first position. We have to win games.
“This is like a final and just one game. We cannot talk about more than that tomorrow.”
Salvachua also confirmed left-back Adama Traore would be sidelined for a fortnight due to a hamstring injury.
Traore struggled with knee ligament injuries while at Turkish Super Lig club Göztepe last season but has played 18 times for Victory in 2019/20.
NEWS: David Ball voted Player of the Month for February
NEWS: Nick D’Agostino named February Nominee for Young Footballer of the Year
NEWS: Roar face Premier League sides Crystal Palace and West Ham in July
