Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has stressed the importance of sticking to the team structure, after faltering to consecutive 5-0 losses.
The most recent of the two losses came at the hands of Sydney FC, who were streets ahead on the day.
Muscat admitted in the lead up to tomorrow nights game against Perth Glory that it had been a rough couple of weeks for his side, but was adamant his side have what it takes to come back from Perth with all three points, given they stick to their structure.
“It’s been a tough fortnight, but obviously it’s something we can’t shy away from,” he said.
“In our application, in terms of what we are trying to do, has got to be a lot better, it’s simple as that.
“I think it’s been proven once the application in what we’re trying to do is good, we’ve been a match for any team, but doing that on a consistent basis we’ve found difficult, especially in the last six weeks.”
Consistency has been a major issue for Melbourne all season, with the last two weeks a perfect example of their trough in form.
Victory’s head coach believes this isn’t due to the tactics set out, rather again stressing the need for his side to stay consistent within the structure set out by the coaching staff.
“I’ve got a firm belief in what we’re trying to do, and it’s been proven that when we do it right, we’re a good footballing team – but finding that consistency has been puzzling over the last six-seven weeks.
“From my perspective we’ve scored; I think we’re still second or third highest scorers in the league, not that I worry about anything like that, but I think what I’m trying to say again is that if we apply ourselves in the right way in what we’re trying to do, I think there’s been enough evidence to say it’s good enough.”
Whilst Muscat admitted his side were capable of scoring, the defensive frailties shown throughout the season has seen his side concede the second most goals for the season, just one less than bottom placed Melbourne Heart.
“That’s been over the last three or four weeks, conceded 13 in three games, so without doubt we’ve got to tighten up and apply ourselves better within the current structure.”
Muscat refused to be drawn into criticizing specific defenders, focusing to concentrate on the defensive unit as a whole.
“I’m not going to highlight individual [defenders] because as far as I’m concerned, and it goes without saying, that we are in this together,” he said.
“There were things that occurred on the weekend, and to an extent in Wellington as well that suggest to me that it didn’t look like how we want to play within that structure.”
The task of sticking to that defensive structure hasn’t been made any easier with the Victory again subject to defensive personnel change.
“Again, obviously [Leijer] is not available and Adama [Traore] comes back from suspension.
“I can’t remember the last time we’ve had a settled line-up but that’s just a fact, not an excuse.”
One bonus that Melbourne can expect in their starting line-up is new signing Tom Rogic, who made his debut off the bench last week.
He is set to make his starting debut in Perth, and will add some creativity through the middle for the stagnating club.
“Yeah I’m looking at [starting him].
“We’ve pushed him as much as we can in the last couple of days and I thought he was bright when he came on, obviously in difficult circumstances, but it’s certainly something that I’m looking at.”
Melbourne Victory make the long trip west to take on Perth Glory at nib Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:45 AEST.