Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi has come out swinging ahead of the Melbourne Derby, defending his right to coach from the touchline for tomorrow night’s A-League opener.
Aloisi has come under fire from Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou, who suggested the former Socceroo is lucky to have served his two-match ban (earned in last seasons final match against the Mariners) during Heart’s pre-season fixtures.
The Melbourne Heart coach, speaking after his side’s final training session before tomorrow’s blockbuster Melbourne derby remained unconcerned about the issue, stating he had ‘followed the rules’ and that it didn’t faze him what other coaches thought.
“I followed the rules and the rules are that I can coach.” Aloisi said.
“Whether [Postecoglou’s] happy about it or not, it doesn’t bother me. I’m just making sure I’m there for my team and serve the suspension the FFA put in front of me.
“I didn’t know that someone from the opposition was going to get upset about it but so be it,”
The loophole in the FFA’s disciplinary rules has since been closed, meaning coaches under the same conditions next year would have to serve their ban during the A-League season.
Meanwhile, Aloisi has talked up his side’s chances against arch rivals Victory, and he believes a good result will act as the springboard for a successful season.
“We just have to make sure that at the end of the season we’re up near the top and to do that you want to get off to a good start,” he said
“Hopefully we can perform [with a win] again tomorrow and get Ange even more upset about me coaching tomorrow night on the bench!”
Melbourne Heart take on Melbourne Victory, 7:50pm tomorrow night at Etihad Stadium.