Melbourne Victory’s NPL 1 assistant coach John Aloisi has given a refreshingly honest appraisal of his team’s performance and fitness in their 1-1 draw to Dandenong City last weekend.
The 39-year-old – in his first game in the new role with Victory – admitted his team were lucky to get a point after struggling with the physicality of the game, getting caught on the ball too much and giving their opponents “a lot of opportunities to win the game.”
“We were lucky today,” Aloisi said after their result on Saturday.
“Dandenong City were good – it’s a different style of football for our boys compared to what they’re used to in the NYL. Everyone there tries to play a certain style and it’s a little bit different to what you’re going to come up against in the NPL.
“They struggled with the physicallity side, but also they’re coming up against experienced players that have played a lot of football. When you’re playing a lot of NYL, all the players are the same age [and physical build] as them, but this will fast-track them.
“It was a good test for them, but they got caught on the ball a fair bit so we were lucky to get a point today.”
Saturday’s clash marked Melbourne Victory’s first ever game in the league, with their participation secured to give players an advanced pathway into their senior sides.
The Victory was rescued from a debut defeat with an 85th minute goal from Stefan Nigro after Dandenong City’s Sean Seavill opened the scoring earlier on in the second half.
Aloisi, in contrast to opposition coach Aaron Healy – who dubbed Victory as one of the benchmark teams in regards to fitness – explained the team legs weren’t as fresh as may have been perceived.
“No I don’t think so,” he responded – in relation to a question suggesting his team’s fitness may have been the cause of the comeback.
“[the players] felt like they struggled physically and their conditioning wasn’t right. I think that was more because it came end-to-end and that’s why they were tired.
“I think the reason we got back into the game was because we took the chance that we did have and also due to the boys who came on as a sub today – Lucas Derrick towards the end caused them a lot of problems and Duzel did well when he came on, so that was important to us.”
Along with the substitutes, the former Melbourne Heart (now Melbourne City) coach was also pleased with the idea of the Victory youth side playing in the league – explaining it has the ability to fast-track players to the top level.
“It’s definitely going to help the boys,” Aloisi said on their development.
“First of all we have them all year round. Secondly they are playing against good experienced players which will help them get to a (high) level a lot quicker than they would if they didn’t stay with us or play in this league.
“I think that we will see the benefits in a year or two and let’s hope we can produce a few players for the senior side.”
While Aloisi will be doing his best to help his players, he also believes the role will benefit himself just as much as them.
“I think this will make me a better coach – coaching younger players.
“I’m going to have to really break things down for them and make sure that I give them good information.
“It’s not just going to help me as a coach, hopefully I can help these players develop into the professionals that we want them to be – to play senior football for Melbourne Victory. I’m so happy that Melbourne Victory has given me the opportunity and I’m grateful. I’m really enjoying it.
The words from the new Assistant Coach will undoubtedly fill the hearts of the Victory fans with confidence and they must surely be pleased with the new system.
The future looks bright for the boys in blue and the addition of Aloisi’s experience, along with his honesty and knowledge, will certainly build that winning mentality and high-class football that is so crucial to succeed.