A-League: Melbourne Victory slips further into mire with Sydney FC mauling but there is still a pulse
Melbourne Victory fans gave it to former favourite Kosta Barbarouses all night but the star striker says they might react differently they knew the true story behind his move to Sydney FC.
Melbourne Victory
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Melbourne Victory fans took sledging of former favourite Kosta Barbarouses to new levels at AAMI Park last night, throwing rubber snakes onto the pitch at AAMI Park.
The star striker shrugged off constant booing, scoring Sydney FC’s second goal in a 3-0 win.
Barbarouses formed a deadly partnership with Ola Toivonen at Victory last season but was forced to leave for salary cap restrictions.
The “snake” tag has taken on a life of its own on social media with Barbarouses tagged “Kosta the Cobra”. Even his teammates are getting in on the act.
Barbarouses took it in his stride last night, with Sydney FC coach Steve Corica adding to the theatre by giving him an exuberant hug as he came off.
“It was always going to happen. If everyone knew what really happened (with contract negotiations), they would not be as upset,” Barbarouses told Fox Sports.
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“At the end of the day I know the truth behind what’s happened and my reasons for coming here.
“Life goes on. I’d be happy to be the bad guy but I’m really happy with where I am.”
In 2017 Sky Blues fans threw toy snakes at goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic after he moved to Western Sydney Wanderers.
Kosta Barbarouses mingling with the tennis folk before tonights game. https://t.co/Sj801UGbmJ
— Red Crow (@redcrow_28) January 24, 2020
Kosta the Cobra ðŸ pic.twitter.com/PqqQ5QM0y8
— All Sides Of The Harbour (@asothdotcom) November 1, 2019
ALL NOT LOST FOR VICTORY
Melbourne Victory faces a monumental challenge over the next three weeks, but potential riches await on the other side of the mountain if they can overcome it.
As ridiculous as that sounds after a 3-0 trouncing from A-League champions Sydney FC ahead of Saturday’s Asian Champions League trip to Kashima Antlers, there is hope.
A series of events conspired against Victory, headlined by star Marco Rojas’ unavailability due with his international transfer not cleared on time.
Tim Hoogland fell short, the Olyroos’ impressive run at the Tokyo 2020 qualifiers robbed Victory of Tommy Deng and Ola Toivonen’s lack of match-sharpness cost him a goal as they withdrew him with 20 minutes left to spare him for Asia.
Against a ruthless opponent like Sydney FC, led by the A-League’s most underrated coach in Steve Corica, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Victory could drop as low as ninth, at least a game outside the top six ahead of the Japan trip, an away trip to in-form Perth Glory and the Melbourne derby, before potential Asian qualification which will test its depth.
COACH CARLOS
It was a forgettable home debut for interim coach, Spaniard Carlos Salvachua, who is clearly eyeing off the job permanently.
The changes from predecessor Marco Kurz were evident, beyond the Van Heusen suit, and the players’ body language was positive.
Victory was bolder and more offensive, but its lack of cutting edge in a first half they largely controlled proved catastrophic, as golden boot leader Adam Le Fondre exploited an inexperienced defence, along with Barbarouses and Alex Baumjohann.
“We need to find positives. We have to continue with this group of players,” Salvachua said.
A small change like swapping Leigh Broxham and Ben Carrigan at stoppers could have made a difference — for Carrigan, who was making his starting debut, would have benefitted from playing between experienced duo Adama Traore and Broxham at left stopper, where he played often for Victory’s youth team.
Once Tim Hoogland (injured), Tommy Deng (Olyroos) and James Donachie (suspended) return, it will strengthen the defence considerably and transform the balance of the entire squad.
Throw Rojas into the mix and all of a sudden it’s a pretty potent and balanced combination.
VICTORY CHANGES
Kids will get better but last night exposed by the mass tactical change due to the coaching changeover and the lack of investment in youth in recent years.
Anthony Lesiotis looks more comfortable back in midfield, Storm Roux is a natural right back while Carrigan — who’d only played five games — has potential.
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Returning Rojas would have played, but at least he relished the love from the terrace, getting a huge cheer when he appeared on the big screen before singing and dancing with the active fans post game after his forlorn teammates had return to the rooms.
The late red card to Broxham will be offset by the potential return of the defensive trio for Glory.
MELBOURNE VICTORY 0
SYDNEY FC 3 (Le Fondre 27, Barbarouses 53, Baumjohann 85)
Crowd: 17,814 at AAMI Park
Victory (4-5-1): Thomas; Roux, Carrigan, Broxham, Traore; Basha, Lesiotis (Lauton 73) x; Nabbout, Kruse, Kamsoba (Hope 84); Toivonen (Athiu 73).
Sky Blues (4-4-2): Redmayne; Grant, McGowan, Wilkinson, King; Brattan, Retre (Caceres 73), Baumjohann, Ninkovic (Van der Saag 89); Barbarouses (Ivanovic 80), Le Fondre.
Referee: Alex King
Red cards: Broxham 90+4, Baumjohann 90+4.
DAVUTOVIC’S MAN OF THE MATCH: ALEX BAUMJOHANN (SYDNEY FC)
The German has taken his game to another level since joining Sydney FC from local rivals Western Sydney, involved in all three goals.