Improvement has been the buzzword for Melbourne Heart over the last week, both on and off the pitch, and midfielder Mass Murdocca is buying into it.
The on-field fortunes of the side have increased dramatically over the last couple of weeks, with only a 90th minute goal to Ryan Griffiths last week stepping between Heart and two consecutive wins.
Regardless, a return of four points from two games marks an exponential improvement for the A-League cellar dwellers, and with the news that EPL club Manchester City have taken over the club, things are suddenly looking rosy in the red half of Melbourne.
Whilst the changes as a result of the takeover will have to wait until the end of the season, the Heart players will have another 11 games to contend with, starting with Sydney FC tonight.
Murdocca sees the Sydney match as a way of marking the improvement of his side, after the reverse fixture saw Heart put in one of their poorest performances of the season.
“All we’re trying to do is improve and I think this game will be a good indication of whether we have or not,” he said.
“To look over it after 90 minute and see, ok have we improved over the last couple of months, and it’ll be positive signs if we do have a great game on the weekend.
“We’ve just got to work hard, keep doing the things we’ve been doing well, work on the things that we haven’t and hopefully we improve again this week.”
The Sydney FC test couldn’t have come at a better time, with the sky blues in ripper form following their 5-0 demolition of cross town rivals Melbourne Victory last week.
“They absolutely smashed Victory, there’s no doubt about that and that’s something we’ve got to be wary of,” Murdocca said.
“We’ve got to make sure we take that confidence out of them in the first five, ten minutes, really get on top of them and hopefully we can give them a smashing as well.”
The pocket rocket midfielder admitted finals isn’t a pressing concern, rather the remainder of the season is about putting in some spirited performances.
“On a personal note it’s not the key thing for me. It’s all about improving and finishing the season on a high and then building for next year, especially with new owners coming in, everything’s looking bright for next year.
“But look, we want to finish on a high, we want to improve and make sure this year we give the fans something to remember for next season and to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
“For us especially, being at the bottom of the ladder, just got to try and win as much as you can, get as many points as you can and play as well as you can, that’s all our aim is.”
Focusing his attentions on the Manchester City takeover, Murdocca admits the whole deal hasn’t hit him yet, mainly because no changes have been implemented.
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, especially when you haven’t seen all the changes made on the field, everything is still the same,” he said.
“I think it’ll really hit us next year when they make massive changes, whether it’s in the office, on-field and maybe the colours as well, a change of name, you just don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I guess that’s the most exciting thing about it all and I guess that’s what’s keeping everyone up at the moment.
“When your futures bright, it’s usually bright everyday so we’re all happy but at the same time uncertain.”
He did however concede that players should be concerned about their playing future, especially with the uncertainty surrounding new playing personal that will imminently follow the biggest takeover in Australian footballing history.
He also admits that the pressure that comes with playing for your career is a ‘good pressure’, and ultimately, it can be the secret to success.
“[The takeover] doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re secure in your spot, even if you do have a contract and I think that’s a good pressure to have.
“That type of pressure is what wins you championships when you’re always on your toes and your always thinking jeez if I don’t perform, if I don’t improve, I’m in big trouble and I think that’s what everyone needs at this club.
“That’s the wake up call we all needed and winning a championship or two myself that’s exactly what you need, you need pressure each and every week and I think we’ll get that now.”
Melbourne Heart take on Sydney FC tonight night at AAMI Park. Kick-off for the blockbuster match is scheduled for 7:30