Melbourne Victory’s Zinedine Machach set for new role under coach Patrick Kisnorbo

One of Melbourne Victory’s star players has had to adjust to the different tactics of the club’s new coach.

Melbourne Victory star Zinedine Machach admits it has taken time to adjust to the structured role he has been asked to play by coach Patrick Kisnorbo after having more freedom under the club’s previous mentor Tony Popovic.

The Victory starts their new A-League campaign on Friday night in a grand-final rematch against Central Coast in Gosford, with Frenchman Machach eager to turn the tables on the Mariners, who won last season’s decider 3-1.

“I want this game come as quickly as possible because we’re keen to get some revenge,” Machach said.

“The grand final is bad memory for me, but this is football.”

Since that defeat, the Victory has changed coaches, with former Melbourne City coach Kisnorbo now in charge after Popovic – who was last month appointed coach of the Socceroos – parted ways with the club in June.

After more than 20 weeks, football is finally back!

Get ready for Round 1 and a massive Grand Final rematch this friday night! pic.twitter.com/Exs3nccaDR

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 13, 2024

“For the first couple of weeks (under Kisnorbo), it was difficult for me because my positioning is not the same because I have to do something different,” Machach said.

“In the formation now, I play more on the right side. Before I was more free. I could go close to the striker, right, left – I moved everywhere.

“Now, it’s very important with the positioning. I must follow the plan. I’ve found a way and I’m happy.

“I have to help the team to win by scoring, providing assists and working hard.

“I had a good season last season, but I want to get better.”

Machach said the Victory had taken confidence from the club’s Australia Cup run despite losing last month’s final 1-0 to Macarthur FC.

“We’re looking at the positives. It’s not easy to make the final, and we got there, played well but we couldn’t score,” he said.

“Even though we lost two finals in the space of a few months, the positive thing is that we made both of the finals.”

Machach was also pleased that the A-League had been boosted by the arrivals of marquee pair Douglas Costa (Sydney FC) and Juan Mata (Western Sydney Wanderers).

“It’s very good for the competition to have two massive players like that here. I’m eager to play against them because they are champions,” he said.