Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer says the reigning Hyundai A-League champions are getting tired of hearing about their poor home record in season 2009/10.
Despite sitting on top of the table after 15 rounds with 27 points – two clear of second -placed Sydney and three clear of third-placed Gold Coast which comes to Melbourne for the first time on Saturday night – Melbourne incredibly has won at home just twice from eight matches this season and has its stunning away form (six wins from seven matches) to thank for its ladder position.
Included in those eight games at home this season have been three defeats, including the club’s two heaviest defeats in its history – 3-0 against Sydney in October and 4-0 against Central Coast in early November.
Melbourne, the only A-League club to have won two Championships, has built its foundation on its home success over the years, which makes this year’s home form even more mystifying.
Leijer denied the Victory’s poor home form is becoming a monkey on the team’s back saying the team’s confidence level remains high heading into this week’s clash against the A-League’s new glamour club.
“We have been disappointed with our home form,” Leijer said.
“But we are top of the table despite our home form and you can only wonder where we would be if our home form was as it should be so we want to rectify that.”
“It’s still hard not to feel confident because we are top of the table and that gives us all the confidence in the world so if we can get our home form right and get wins at home we can go on and do very well in this league.”
Leijer said the players are desperate to repay their loyal fans – who continue to provide Melbourne with the best crowds in the competition – with a much-needed home win this week and believes the team will be inspired by the occasion.
Not only is Melbourne facing the team which set itself to dethrone the Victory as the competition’s number one club as soon as it entered the league this season for the first time in Melbourne but the clash will also be the club’s first home game with Etihad Stadium being set up in the traditional rectangular format.
That will also ensure the Victory’s army of fans are closer to the action, which should provide for an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.
“We want to put on a good show against the Gold Coast,” Leijer said.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere with the seats coming in so it’s going to be a great night and exciting for the league and the fans.”
