Melbourne Victory Head Coach Grant Brebner has expressed his ambitions ahead of the 2020/21 A-League season, which kicks off on Saturday night against Brisbane Roar.
The AAMI Park fixture will be the club’s first home game in 326 days and Victory will be welcoming back its members and fans for a new era, led by Brebner.
Since being appointed to the role, the Scotsman has strengthened the squad in all areas and has made no secret of his ambitions as Head Coach.
Happy New Year! Wishing our members and fans all the best for 2021 – see you on Saturday #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/cWCYiXJ8rN
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 31, 2020
New era
“My expectations are the same as everybody else in this football club. We want to have trophies in our cabinet,” said Brebner.
“It is not acceptable for a Melbourne Victory coach to stand here and say ‘we want to make Finals’. We want to win Championships and win the Premiership.”
As a player Brebner won two A-League Championships and two Premierships with Victory.
“Of course it is going to be difficult,” he admitted. “But we have to believe that is the objective and we will try our all to do that.”
When Saturday rolls around, it will have been 326 days since our last game at @AAMIPark.
326 days since you experienced the sights and sounds of a Melbourne Victory game day on Swan St.
You'd be mad to miss it.#MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/xp77VXzsxY
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 30, 2020
New players
Brebner’s recruitment process began in September with the signing of goalkeeper Max Crocombe and business was recently concluded with the announcement of English defender Ryan Shotton.
The Head Coach has provided an update on both players and striker Rudy Gestede.
“Generally in pre-season you will train for 4-5 weeks and have 4-5 pre-season games. Rudy has had about eight days training. He is looking okay and he will get better,” said Brebner.
As Shotton nears the end of his quarantine period, Brebner will assess his defensive options based on recent performances – including the goalkeepers.
“Both goalkeepers vie for that number one spot and whoever is in form plays. Both had minutes in Doha and Max did really well in the games he played, so Max will start the season in goal.”
Saturday on the mind! #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/AyOvKbnMa1
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 29, 2020
Same expectations
Having made 119 appearances as a Victory player, Brebner is all too familiar with the club’s expectations and philosophies.
“Anybody connected with this football club wants to go out there and put on a show for our members and fans,” said Brebner.
“I have been involved with the club for a long time and I know exactly what they want and what they like to see.
“After a tough 2020, we hit the ground running in 2021 and hopefully we can have our fans smiling.”
Football is back at @AAMIPark this weekend! Will you be there? #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 30, 2020
