Melbourne Victory’s depth will help it handle busy fixture, says captain Carl Valeri

WITH six games in 25 days, Melbourne Victory has a juggling act on its hands but captain Carl Valeri is confident his team’s depth will see them continue its exceptional run of form.

Carl Valeri is confident Melbourne Victory can get through a busy January. Picture: George Salpigtidis

MELBOURNE Victory has a January juggling act on its hands.

But captain Carl Valeri is supremely confident his side can come through six games in 25 days with flying colours because of the club’s extraordinary depth of talent.

Starting on Monday against Newcastle in Geelong, Victory’s next month includes games against Adelaide (away), Brisbane, Wellington (away), Perth (away) and Sydney on Australia Day.

If that wasn’t enough, that patch is followed by an Etihad Stadium derby against Melbourne City.

But Valeri insists it is the players who aren’t playing at the moment that give him the greatest hope Victory will be able to continue a run of form that has seen it win five and draw the other of its last six games.

Valeri said players including Mitch Austin, Jai Ingham, Maxi Beister, Nick Ansell, Daniel Georgievski, Rashid Mahazi and Stefan Nigro all deserve to be playing.

But the harsh reality of what is currently a very fit squad is that only so many players can be picked each week.

“We talk about it, and obviously the coaching staff might have a bit of a selection headache on their hands, but that’s the strength of the group,” Valeri said.

Melbourne Victory is flying with five wins and a draw from its past six games. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Any one of those boys can play and that’s going to happen for them because it’s a tough schedule after Geelong. I think everyone will get their chance.

“Credit to those guys, too, they’re working so hard.

“We get judged on 90 minutes of football on the weekend, but I see these guys work so hard on the training track and you can’t fault anyone at the moment.

“It’s a busy schedule, January, but this all gives me a lot of confidence.”

Austin, Nigro and Mahazi couldn’t even make Victory’s matchday squad for Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Central Coast such is the team’s depth.

But Valeri said fellow midfielder Mahazi is a perfect example of the squad’s willingness to put team goals in front of individual ambition.

“Rashid’s work ethic is fantastic,” he said.

“Even though he wasn’t a part of the team the other day, he was still there and training just as hard as anybody else.

“The players who don’t play really drive the players who do.

“When you see them training with that enthusiasm you try and match up and stay with them.”

JANUARY JUGGLING ACT

Melbourne Victory’s fixture this month

Monday: v Newcastle, Simonds Stadium, 7.50pm

Saturday: v Adelaide, Coopers Stadium

Jan 13: v Brisbane, AAMI Park

Jan 17: v Wellington, Westpac Stadium

Jan 21: v Perth, nib Stadium

Jan 26: v Sydney, Etihad Stadium

And then for good measure ...

Feb 4: v Melbourne City, Etihad Stadium

Originally published as Melbourne Victory’s depth will help it handle busy fixture, says captain Carl Valeri