Victory coach Tony Popovic admits his staff is struggling to manage with out followers because the membership continues to take care of the implications of its supporters’ actions in final month’s Melbourne derby riot.
The Victory host a match on Friday night time for the primary time since sanctions had been imposed on them following the December 17 pitch invasion at AAMI Park that additionally led to the banning of 10 individuals – together with two for all times – from all football-related exercise in Australia.
No tickets have been allowed to be offered for the match – towards Brisbane Roar – and whereas some Victory members can attend the sport, these whose memberships are for the northern finish of AAMI Park gained’t be permitted to attend the match as that part of the grandstand will probably be closed.
“We don’t want to use that as an excuse, but Melbourne Victory does have the most fans and the most members in the league,” mentioned Popovic, whose facet is hoping to keep away from a 3rd successive defeat on Friday night time.
“We’re accustomed to hearing noise, and when we play away games, if we have 50 of our supporters, they can drain the home support’s noise – that’s how loud and that’s how great our members are, and fans.
“We want them back – we need them. There’s no doubt we’ve missed them, and I believe they’ve missed us as well.
“For (the actions of) a few silly spectators, I don’t think that they should be robbed of the chance to support us.
“Hopefully we’ll have them back in full voice and supporting us soon, and us together climbing up the table.”
Sitting second from backside getting into this weekend’s spherical, the Victory are struggling to attain targets, having scored solely 9 targets in 9 matches.
Only the Roar (eight) and cellar dwellers Perth Glory (seven) have scored fewer A-League targets this season.
Recent signing Bruno Fornaroli has failed to fireside up to now for the Victory, with the Uruguayan ace having been unnoticed of the squad completely for final Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Central Coast Mariners.
“He’s a fit player, but he’s not in the condition that he and we believe can get him scoring the goals that we all want and he’s working extremely hard to make that possible,” Popovic mentioned of Fornaroli, who joined the Victory from the Glory.
“We’re very happy with him, but it’s a process, it takes time, and we’re seeing some good signs from him.”
“Each individual’s case is different. They all know why they were in or why they weren’t in. We’re trying to get the players in the best condition they can be.”
Originally printed as Melbourne Victory in want of assist as they proceed to pay the worth for pitch invasion
