Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe says that his side will approach Friday night’s game against the Mariners at North Sydney oval just like any other.
The safety of the surface has been under heavy media scrutiny of late, with the scheduled A-League match set to be played over a turf cricket pitch currently used at both club and state levels.
However, the Victory custodian denied that the surface was a point of concern in the club’s preparations for the game.
“There’s been a lot of talk about it,” Coe said.
“But as far as we’re concerned, we’re just going there to play a game of football and get the three points.
“Both teams have to play on the same field.”
Victory will aim to win their first game on the road this season after managing three draws from as many games, but the 30-year-old was unfazed about his side’s unimpressive away record in recent seasons, stressing that picking up any point away from home was valuable.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know we hadn’t won (away) until I was told today,” he said.
“For us it’s something that hasn’t really been in our minds.
“The most important thing is to keep picking up points and hopefully this week will be our first [away] win.”
Despite an apparent injury to Gui Finkler in the latter stages of last Friday’s contest against Adelaide United that prevented the playmaker from training on Tuesday, Coe refused to shed light on the Brazilian’s situation, saying the injuries currently sustained by players at the club were short-term and manageable.
“Most of us are fine, there are obviously a few little injuries here and there and a few little niggles,” he said.
“But I think throughout the season you’re going to come up against that.”
Melbourne Victory will aim to extend their unbeaten run to nine games against the sixth placed Mariners on Friday night.