By Kieran Yap 15/12/23
Above: Melbourne Victory coach Jeff Hopkins. Photo Melbourne Victory.
Competition is heating up for places at Melbourne Victory, and coach Jeff Hopkins says that the players have challenged themselves to be at their best for longer periods and put teams away when they have the chance.
“We are a very, very good side. And we need to start proving it and start proving it not just for parts of games, Hopkins told the media.
“We’re capable of dominating games, dominating teams, and killing teams off, and we haven’t done that yet.
“That’s the challenge for us this weekend, can we get on top of Canberra? And when we get on top of them, can we really get on top and kill them off and really take the game to another level and not let them back in? Give them a sniff? So that’s kind of our aim this weekend.”
Hopkins was talking about the upcoming match against Canberra United but also reflecting on last week’s 2-2 draw with Wellington Phoenix.
“I thought we were quite wasteful with a number of balls into the box and a number of chances,” he said.
“We could have put ourselves in a much more comfortable position than we did.
“The consistency of our performance has got to be better. At times we were as bad as we were as good.
“I’m confident that we’ll put in a really good display on the weekend, and I’m looking forward to the game.”
That confidence stems in part from the quality at his disposal and the growing chemistry among his new signings. Striker Kurea Okino has scored in her last two games while Mackenzie Weinert has consistently been one of Victory’s most lively attackers.
Hopkins said that both players needed to improve on parts of their game, and highlighted the language barrier that Okino has needed to work around, but believes the best is yet to come from his attack.
There is a sense that Victory view the hard fought draw with Wellington as two points lost. Hopkins said that after the match the senior players in the team were eager to push Victory to reach their potential.
He mentioned Kayla Morrison, Emma Checker, Elise Kellond Knight and Lydia Williams as those who spoke up to encourage the team to play to their full capabilities. But the highest praise was reserved for injured striker Emily Gielnik.
The Matildas attacker remained in Melbourne last weekend nursing a calf injury but spent time watching the reserve and youth development players train and play.
Gielnik also attended a meeting of Victory’s youngsters to provide feedback and advice. Although she is unable to play this week and unlikely to the next, Gielnik is still a big presence in training and helping the team prepare.
“We’ve got some real good knowledge of the game and is really important that we use that,” Hopkins said of his senior core.
“I’m leaning on those players a fair bit and they’re more than willing to participate.”
In team news, Emma Checker is likely to return to the starting lineup, where her experience will be valuable against the likes of Michelle Heyman and Vesna Milivojevic. Grand Final winning captain Lia Privitelli is also in the frame to return to the pitch.
With the exception of Gielnik, Victory are looking close to full strength which poses a welcome problem for Jeff Hopkins but it is that depth and quality that has him excited about this season. He acknowledged that there are a number of sides that can challenge for honours this season, with Melbourne City being particularly impressive, but backs his players to deliver against any of them.
“On our day I think we’re as good if not better than most teams in the league.”
“Talk is cheap, we’ve got to start proving things.”
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