Melbourne Victory winger Kosta Barbarouses says seeing Victory supporters “cop it from City fans” has motivated the team ahead of this weekend’s Melbourne derby.
The annual Christmas derby will be the second time the two sides will meet this season, with the first derby in October going the way of Melbourne City.
“I hate losing, especially in derbies,” Barbarouses said.
“The fans do so well to support us and to see them cop it from the City fans after they beat us motivates the team.”
“The atmosphere is always extra motivation and it’s a big privilege to be part of Victory.”
The loss to City was followed by another to Perth Glory and had Victory fans aggrieved over the team’s style and formation but despite this Barbarouses says the team did not panic and have since been rewarded for it.
“I don’t think anyone panicked when we lost the first two games because were still playing well but didn’t take our chances,” Barbarouses said.
Barbarouses has adopted a different role this season playing as a second striker in Victory’s diamond formation which has been a significant part of the team’s successful start to the season.
“A big part of our success has been the freedom we’ve had up front,” Barbarouses said.
“We’re allowed to drift and pick up the ball in small pockets which makes it harder for the opposition.”
After a goalless first five rounds Barbarouses has scored four goals in his last three matches and could be the one to score the club’s 600th A-League goal this weekend.
“It could be anyone who scores the 600th goals have been coming from everywhere,” Barbarouses said.
“I always set myself a target of getting to double figures by the end of the season.”
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