Melbourne Victory Head Coach Steve Kean has reflected on the convincing win over Western United and turned his attention towards Sunday’s Melbourne Derby at Marvel Stadium.
A culmination of tactics, intensity and discipline enabled Victory to put six past Western at AAMI Park on Friday night, a result that the squad will be aiming to build on.
All 6️⃣ goals from tonight's HUGE win at @AAMIPark 🔥 #WUNvMVC #MVFC pic.twitter.com/2sH9VryT1C
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 28, 2021
Discipline
“We’ve been telling the lads over the last few weeks that we can’t let teams play through us. If they want to go over us or around us, then fine,” said Kean.
“Nearly every team in the A-League has good technicians in the middle, certainly in the final third and they can play killer passes.”
Victory made 33 clearances and committed only four fouls on Friday night, limiting Western’s attacking creativity.
“We’ve done much of the same in our previous five or six games, but not managed to get results,” Kean said.
“It all came together against Western and we will keep going.”
🗣️ Steve Kean has heaped his praise onto the players following a strong display against Western #WUNvMVC #MVFC
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 28, 2021
Momentum
With eight days between the 6-1 win and the Derby, Kean’s next challenge is to continue that winning formula in the club’s final fixture of the regular A-League season.
“In terms of momentum, we got the lads in straight after the win and went through a really good recovery session,” said the Head Coach.
“Up until now the schedule has been full on, so we’re making sure everyone has recovered.
“From there, we will cover what went well and work on our game plan for City.”
Dylan Ryan has arrived at the Olyroos camp in Europe in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games. All the best, Dylan! 🇦🇺 #MVFC #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/WV1jmxvA5u
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 31, 2021
Collectively
Kean has credited the playing group for executing the tactics on and off the ball.
“We were bold and trusted each other in possession,” he said.
“We [the coaches] told the players: ‘Do not hesitate. If you see a pass or a shot on goal, play it.’”
In total Victory made 19 attempts at Western’s goal, ten of which tested the goalkeeper.
“That’s as good as I’ve seen us play with and without the ball.”
