Daniel Arzani in confident mood as Melbourne Victory push for A-League finals berth

Star playmaker Daniel Arzani is ready to have an ‘impact’ in Melbourne Victory’s bid for A-League glory.

Rejuvenated Melbourne Victory star Daniel Arzani says Socceroos coach Tony Popovic gave him the “kick up the bum” he needed.

Former Victory coach Popovic in January slammed ex-prodigy Arzani for a “really poor” training level when in camp with the Socceroos last October.

“Maybe for him it’s OK but it’s not enough,” Popovic said.

It resulted in Arzani being left out of the Socceroos squad for the next international window in November.

However, Popovic then sprung a selection surprise by picking the 26-year-old playmaker in Australia’s squad for last month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China.

Arzani was used off the bench in both games, with the Socceroos taking a huge step towards World Cup qualification with 5-1 (Indonesia) and 2-0 (China) wins.

Daniel Arzani (7) is congratulated by Melbourne Victory teammates after scoring against Adelaide United. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I worked with (Popovic) for a long time here (at the Victory), so he knows me pretty well, and I think he knew that at that moment, probably a little bit of a kick up the bum is what I needed,” Arzani said in reflecting on the national team coach’s comments.

“It helped me in the long run. I look at where I’m at now, mentally and physically, and I feel like I’m in a really good spot to really have a big impact for (the Victory) going into the last few games (of the regular A-League season), and hopefully for the finals as well.

“The team’s looking good too, which is even more important.”

The fifth-placed Victory meet the Phoenix in Wellington on Saturday when a win would further enhance their chances of playing finals football next month.

“It’s important me to break down their (defensive) block, and it’s also important that when we get hit on the counter, our defenders are stopping the pay early and making sure we don’t get punished for any loss of possession,” Arzani said.