On The Attack: City to pounce on vulnerable Victory, under pressure coaches and United’s biggest test
Will City pounce on a vulnerable Victory team or can new coach Arthur Diles quickly change the tide? Plus Adelaide’s biggest test ahead and more, in On The Attack with ROBBIE SLATER and MARCO MONTEVERDE.
Socceroos great ROBBIE SLATER and MARCO MONTEVERDE discuss what the Melbourne derby could look like with a new mentor at the realm, under pressure coaches and Adelaide’s golden opportunity, in On The Attack.
Victory vulnerable
Patrick Kisnorbo’s sudden departure from Melbourne Victory has opened the door for Melbourne City to take advantage of their suddenly vulnerable rivals in Saturday night’s derby at AAMI Park.
While the Victory have plenty of experience in their squad, the shock exit of Japan-bound Kisnorbo isn’t something that can be overcome in just a few days.
It’s a definite baptism of a fire for interim Victory boss Arthur Diles, a previous assistant to Kisnorbo and the club’s former coach Tony Popovic.
At least Diles can take solace from the fact that the Victory are one of the A-League’s in-form teams and he shouldn’t have had to have changed too much heading the derby.
However, there’s no doubt some players will be feeling let down by Kisnorbo, who had only joined the Victory in June before bailing out six months into a three-year deal.
Kisnorbo no doubt had reasons for his decision, but to take what’s expected to an assistant coach’s job – albeit probably for more money than he was getting at the Victory – is an unfortunate reflection of the current state of the A-League.
For the players who are upset about Kisnorbo’s hasty departure, it might be tough for them to lift this weekend, even in a derby.
This is where City must pounce.
If not for a shocking stoppage-time mistake by young goalkeeper Patrick Beach last Sunday, City would have become the first team to beat A-League leaders and competition newcomers Auckland.
Therefore, apart from Beach, who might not be selected on Saturday, City players should be high on confidence heading into the derby.
Revenge should also motivate City, who haven’t tasted A-League success against the Victory since April last year.
However, City also need to be wary of some Victory players who might be happy that Kisnorbo has gone.
It’s no secret that French star Zinedine Machach didn’t enjoy the role Kisnorbo had asked him to play, while enigmatic playmaker Daniel Arzani had a tense relationship with Victory’s now former coach.
And then there’s veteran marksman Bruno Fornaroli, who got very limited time under Kisnorbo.
Will Fornaroli now gain a new lease of life under Diles, and be given more time on the park?
We might find out as early as Saturday night.
Chance for Diles
There is also plenty at stake for Arthur Diles this weekend.
Since Kisnorbo’s departure, a host of names, including former Victory star Besart Berisha and ex-Socceroos Mark Milligan and Harry Kewell, have been linked with the club’s coaching job.
However, interim boss Diles can stake an early claim for the permanent role by getting the better of his City counterpart Aurelio Vidmar.
Fight for survival
Two other A-League coaches – Brisbane Roar’s Ruben Zadkovich and Perth Glory’ David Zdrilic – are fighting to save their jobs on Saturday,
The Roar and the Glory, the competition’s two worst teams, meet at Suncorp Stadium, and if there’s a loser, it very well could spell the end for their coach.
Even a draw might not be enough to save Zadkovich, particularly after the way the struggling Jets thrashed the woeful Glory 4-0 in Perth last weekend.
If the Roar can’t win at home against Perth, it will take a miracle for Zadkovich to still be in the job by this time next week.
Apart from poor results, Zadkovich is also under fire for Brisbane’s second-half tactics in their 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers last Saturday.
Zadkovich claims to have the support of Brisbane officials, but the radio silence in the past couple of weeks from Roar chief executive officer Kaz Patafta – who pushed for Zadkovich to get the job – and the club’s head of football Zac Anderson has been telling.
Then again, perhaps the embattled Roar coach is relieved the dreaded “support from the CEO and board” public comments haven’t been forthcoming.
Advantage Adelaide
It’s a moment of truth for Adelaide United on Friday night at Coopers Stadium.
The Reds can finally prove they are the real deal in terms of being title contenders by beating Sydney FC, albeit a Sky Blues side that’s not firing on all cylinders.
While the unbeaten Adelaide has been impressive this season, all of the team’s wins have come against sides who are currently sitting in the bottom half of the ladder.
They are yet to beat a genuine title contender, with their 4-0 win over reigning champions Central Coast in Gosford last week further proof that the Mariners have no chance of winning a third successive title.
By beating Sydney, the Reds can make a significant statement.
Despite their current patchy form, the Sky Blues are still considered by many to be among the title favourites.
However, they have defensive issues that Adelaide can exploit.
The Sydneysiders, who have lost their past two A-League matches, will also be without in-form Polish marksman Patryk Klimala, who has a groin strain.
The Reds love nothing more than a Friday night home game, and this is their chance to show that their undefeated record is anything but a fluke.
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