Melbourne Victory interim Head Coach Steve Kean will have Callum McManaman, Jake Brimmer and Robbie Kruse in contention for Sunday’s game against Central Coast Mariners.
McManaman, Brimmer and Kruse all served one-match suspensions on Tuesday night, missing Victory’s 1-0 defeat against Sydney FC.
Steve Kean on our returning players, squad rotation and this Sunday's clash with the Mariners 💬 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/0gN5ZTxCrm
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) April 30, 2021
Returning players
“They’ll potentially come back into the starting eleven,” Kean said on the returning players.
“They’ll be back in contention but the lads that played against Sydney played well, so we will see.”
Youngster, Lleyton Brooks earned his first A-League start midweek, while Jay Barnett partnered Jacob Butterfield in central midfield.
“We’ve got competition for places which is important.
“Overall, our performance against Sydney was good and we were disappointed not to get something from the game,” he said.
Callum McManaman doing Callum McManaman things ☄️@cm_macca #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/u6Rl62Ilpj
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) April 30, 2021
Final third
As well as improving Victory’s defensive record, Kean has highlighted the need to enhance the service provided to Rudy Gestede.
“The last bit is that final pass, which we touched on in today’s session.
“With a player like Rudy, you need to give him good service. If you serve him in the box, he will score.
“If we can find a little bit more quality and get on the end of things, I’m confident we can get the three points,” said Kean.
Next up: the Mariners 🌴
This Sunday 🗓️
AAMI Park 📍Tickets: https://t.co/D4wxp9Bj9l #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/bF2URP5rEH
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) April 29, 2021
The Mariners
Central Coast travels to Melbourne off the back of a 4-0 loss against Brisbane Roar, a result which Kean will be looking to capitalise on.
“We’re certainly not thinking about getting a point,” he said.
“Central Coast are a little bit more direct compared to Sydney.
“With a player like Matt Simon in the team, you’d want to get the ball forward quicker so that changes the game plan a little.”
