Think City are kings of Melbourne? Just look at Victory’s trophy cabinet, says Fahid Ben Khalfallah

MELBOURNE City have bragging rights after last weekend’s derby victory, but Victory’s Fahid Ben Khalfallah has called on his clubs doubters to look beyond that scoreline.

FAHID Ben Khalfallah admitted he was symptomatic of Melbourne Victory’s woes, but like his underperforming team was confident of a revival.

The winger invited anyone suggesting that their cross-town rivals were the ‘kings of Melbourne’ into Victory’s offices to inspect the trophy cabinet.

Ben Khalfallah sizzled in his debut season, scoring five and assisting nine of his way to winning the Victory best and fairest award and finishing third in the Johnny Warren medal.

Ben Khalfallah had his best game of the season in the 2-1 derby loss to Melbourne City, and

Fahid Ben Khalfallah of the Victory is tackled by Ivan Franjic of the City

hoped to trigger a revival after four straight losses.

“Yeah, it’s true (he hasn’t reached last season’s levels). I don’t know why, if I knew the answer I would tell you. Maybe just because people know me much better,’’ Ben Khalfallah said.

“I train hard every day, I try to do the maximum. I am still working and I am trying to do the best. I know I have to be better for the team, to score more goals, to assist, but hopefully I can do it next week.

“I think defences pay more attention, but that doesn’t matter, I know if I play my best football I can find a solution.

“At the start of the season I had some injuries with my hamstring so I didn’t feel very good, but now I feel better for a few weeks.

Victory beat Perth in the FFA Cup final

“But I want to win, If I play good and we lose I am not happy. For the confidence it’s good when you can make a difference, when you can create chances, but there is only one thing I want to win.’’

City’s win last Saturday ensured bragging rights until at least February and was perhaps a taste of a bona fide finals rivalry that’s brewing.

Ben Khalfallah, who trained strongly on Wednesdayduring a long session at Gosch’s Paddock, said success is about more than one game.

“The king of the city has the trophy,’’ he said.

They also hold the A-league trophy after beating Sydney FC in the final

“Last year we won and we had three trophies here so we don’t need to prove we’re the best at the end of the season we will see who’s the best and I’m definitely sure we will be the best at the end of the season.

“For people who want to see the trophy they just need to go to the office.’’

Originally published as Think City are kings of Melbourne? Just look at Victory’s trophy cabinet, says Fahid Ben Khalfallah