Melbourne Victory head coach Marco Kurz says he is pleased with the team’s response on the training track after a week of honest discussions.
Utility Leigh Broxham told the media on Wednesday the team had several honest discussions during the week about their poor start to the season.
The Victory return to Melbourne after consecutive losses away to Sydney FC and Perth Glory, with Kurz confident the side has adapted well after several “clear and honest” conversations ahead of a busy Christmas period.
“You must show the basics on the pitch, so we spoke with the whole group and had a chat with a lot of players,” he said.
“I think we were on the same page we have to show from the first minute another attitude and then we are sure we can perform in a better way.
“I think the way we discussed was really good, it was always respectful but very clear…we started a new training week we have to set up our self-confidence, our form for the weekend and the training week was really good.
“We now have four games…it’s true we need points to be closer the first six positions everyone knows if we get no points it will be a tough season for us and that’s our goal now.”
The Victory will be without defender Thomas Deng for Friday night’s match against Perth Glory, after picking up a groin injury during the week.
Tim Hoogland is a chance to feature, while Andrew Nabbout and Robbie Kruse will also be in contention for more minutes as they return from injury.
Leigh Broxham, meanwhile, will play his 300th A-League match, becoming just the second A-League player behind Andrew Durante to do so.
“As an opposition coach I didn’t like him because he’s always a passionate player for his own club he’s a strong guy,” Kurz said.
“It’s fantastic [because] in Europe you have a few more games in the year so 300 is a big number and a special one that its only for one club.
“It’s fantastic and also up to us to perform for him tomorrow to give him a good present.”
Featured Image: AAP
