Pre-season pledge spurring on Victory
Apr 29, 2017 - 3:11 AM History is on the line but Melbourne Victory won't be driven by the chance to be the A-League's greatest team when they confront Brisbane Roar in Sunday's semi-final.The AAMI Park match pits two three-time winners of the competition against each other, and will give one a shot to become the first with four championships.
Kevin Muscat has been involved in each of those titles - two as Victory's captain and one as a coach.
He says Victory's squad are motivated by a pre-season pledge to win a title that would justify the talent he assembled for this campaign.
"We made a commitment at the start of the season as a group that we wanted to achieve something," he said on Saturday.
"Once you've made a commitment the motivation side of things doesn't really come into consideration.
"If we start worrying about two weeks time, what will it mean, who gets their name etched in history and whatever it may be, we'll miss some details.
"(Making history) gives me no motivation whatsoever. None whatsoever.
"The focus is clearly on five past five on Sunday evening. We'll be prepared, ready to go, and we'll put a performance good enough to take us through."
Victory and Brisbane have shared plenty of heavyweight battles over the years.
The Roar have knocked Muscat's side out of the finals in two of the last finals campaigns, either side of their 2015 title.
Roar coach John Aloisi said the furious rivalry was fuelled by history and ambition.
"The feeling's there because we've got two clubs that have been very successful ... the most successful teams in the history of the A-League and two teams that try to play an exciting brand of football," he said.
"Two teams that go at it, go hard at it and want to win.
"I'm expecting another exciting game, another close game. We know it's going to be a difficult one but we're excited."
A vocal AAMI Park crowd could be a key point of difference in Victory's favour - as will Victory's freshness.
The Roar have played three matches - including an extra-time elimination final and an Asian Champions League match in Thailand - since Victory were last in action.
Muscat said he didn't expect to face a fatigued Brisbane side but opposing coach John Aloisi would confront a cherry ripe Victory.
"It was a good opportunity to freshen the players up ... zoom in mentally and make sure they're right between the ears," he said of Victory's fortnight off.
"We saw the first finals and sense a bit of adrenaline was bubbling away.
"We've scored 50-odd goals (this season). Look at our front third of the park. That'd give anyone confidence.
"We're playing against a good team but we're very comfortable and confident with where we sit."
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Roar haven't beaten Victory in Melbourne for over three years and haven't won an away final in four years.
* This year's golden boot winners - Besart Berisha and Jamie Maclaren - will square off for opposing teams.
* The goalkeepers will be busy. Brisbane (402) and Victory (396) top the league for shots attempted this season.
Source: AAP
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