Ill Melbourne Victory captain Carl Valeri gives teammates pep talk in hope of snapping losing streak

ILL captain Carl Valeri gave his Melbourne Victory teammates a pep talk during the week as they attempt to arrest their record-breaking four-game losing slump.

FFA Cup Quarter finals at AAMI Park, Melbourne Victory V Adeliade United 22nd September, Melbourne Australia. Adelaide United's Sergio Cirio and Melbourne Victory's Carl Valeri Picture : George Salpigtidis

ILL captain Carl Valeri gave his Melbourne Victory teammates a pep talk during the week as they attempt to arrest their record-breaking four-game losing slump.

Valeri and marquee striker Besart Berisha addressed the group upon returning from a much-needed two-day break in the wake of last Saturday’s 2-1 derby loss.

Right-back Jason Geria revealed that Valeri’s speech was uplifting, considering what the captain has gone through, as he awaits final scan results relating to inflammation of his brain.

The outlook appears more positive for Valeri, who was hopeful of resuming training after another appointment in a fortnight according to coach Kevin Muscat.

Geria said the talks helped lift morale ahead of today’s clash with Perth Glory tonight at AAMI Park.

“After the City game everyone was really disappointed and Carl and Bes addressed the group a few days ago, making sure we’re all on the same page as we try and turn results around,’’ Geria said.

“Carl just spoke for a few minutes but when he talks we all listen and show him respect, but he commands it.

“They said keep persisting and the results will come. No-one’s really panicking.

“Carl’s presence has lifted us, he had time away but he’s been in every day for the past two weeks, doing recovery and he should be back.

“‘Broxy’ (Leigh Broxham) has been massive in his absence too.’’

Geria was one of five Victory players named in the Olyroos squad for next month’s Rio 2016 qualifiers, with Thomas Deng’s likely inclusion for Sunday’s clash giving them an Olyroos-flavoured defence.

Though Geria is the only Victory regular among the five (Connor Pain, Scott Galloway and Giancarlo Gallifuoco are the others), they will be key for Aurelio Vidmar’s side with seven overseas players blocked from travelling to Qatar.

Geria admitted the hectic international schedule had wreaked havoc.

Melbourne Victory captain Carl Valeri has been forced out with inflammation on his brain. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“It’s unfortunate (players have been blocked), you’re never going to turn down an opportunity to play for your country but at the same time your club career suffers,’’ he said.

“At start of season it was case for myself. Coaches know you’ll be away for certain points so they play without you.

“If you’re gone and the team does well there’s no reason for you to walk straight back in, you just have to work hard and cop it on the chin.

“It balances out, being able to qualify for the Olympics would be all worth it.

“The Olympics are a massive tournament and qualifying would be massive off the back of everything that’s been achieved this year, especially the Asian Cup.’’

Geria’s immediate focus was on Glory, his second last game before departing for the 16-team Olympic qualifying tournament.

“We played them in the FFA Cup final and then a week ago, so there’s some familiar faces,’’ Geria said.

“We reviewed the Glory game and we know what we need to do. They’ve come off a good draw and they’re confident but after the week we’ve had I think we’re ready for them.’’

Originally published as Ill Melbourne Victory captain Carl Valeri gives teammates pep talk in hope of snapping losing streak