Melbourne Victory’s Nathan Coe has reserved praise for the fans ahead of the game against Brisbane on Saturday, saying a motivated support group is like having a twelfth man on the pitch.
Despite flares and detonators going off in the away bay last weekend as Victory rescued a point against Western Sydney Wanderers with a last minute Gui Finkler goal, the goalkeeper revealed that he did not feel in any danger at any part of the proceedings.
“It’s a bit of excitement for the few moments they were going on, we just try and focus on the game as much as possible and not get caught up on what’s happening around us,” Coe said.
“You want as much noise in the stadium as possible but I’m never worried I’m in danger at all. We’re in a great country and it’s good to have that sort of fierce rivalries where there’s this sort of motivated support.
The Victory custodian went on to laud the home support for their backing though he also acknowledged the current standoff between active supporters and the club.
“They’re great fans, though this year it’s been a bit quieter than normal you could say,” Coe told assembled media.
“Against the Heart, it was fantastic with the noise back. For us we want to play in front of full stadiums and noisy stadiums give us a twelfth man so hopefully [AAMI Park] can continue to be full.”
The goalkeeper also reflected on his own form this season, and admitted that he was still holding out hope of making the plane to Brazil for the World Cup this year.
“It’s something I’ve always dreamt of, but first and foremost I’ve to be playing well here,” Coe said.
“If I’m not doing a job for Melbourne, I don’t think I’ll even be considered at all. Winning the league and qualifying for the Asian Champions League is something that will probably help so I’ll just keep working away here.”
Victory veterans Archie Thompson and Pablo Contreras failed to join the team in full training this morning, and doubts still remain as to whether they will front up against the Roar but Coe seemed confident that there would be sufficient cover for his team mates.
“I think Nick [Ansell] has been great when he’s played, he’s come in a few times in difficult situations and done really well,” he said.
“He’s a great young player, we have good depth in our squad and I’m sure whoever comes in will do very well.”
There was also praise for goal scorer Gui Finkler, after the Brazilian midfielder came on as a substitute and scored a cracking equaliser off a set piece against Western Sydney.
“Gui’s been working hard to get back to full fitness and it’s great to see him scoring important goals and coming on to change the game,” the Victory goalkeeper said.
“It was a great shot and in the last minute, that’s what dreams are made of.”