Arnie's comments archaic: Victory's Muscat
Oct 5, 2017 - 11:05 PM Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has fired back at what he says is an "archaic" attitude from Sydney FC counterpart Graham Arnold regarding international windows during the A-League season.Arnold told AAP, this week, he had no sympathy for Muscat -- who won't be able to call upon Mark Milligan, James Troisi and Kosta Barbarouses for Saturday's grand final rematch -- and said the Victory coach should have "recruited differently" to avoid such a scenario.
Milligan and Troisi are away with the Socceroos with Barbarouses on international duty with New Zealand.
While the A-League kicks off this weekend, almost every other competition in the world has paused for the international break.
Muscat, who has long pushed for the A-League to observe FIFA windows in spite of broadcaster demands, said Arnold's sardonic stance was not helping the sport progress.
"Not supporting stopping football in the international window or making comments that don't support it are archaic and has held the game back," Muscat told reporters on Friday morning.
"Continual comments like it will keep the game where it is.
"I don't recall asking for any (sympathy)... nor will I.
"The fact that (Arnold) actually tried to sign a couple of players that are here maybe tells a different story."
Muscat has known for months that he wouldn't have his international trio on deck for their season opener and has planned accordingly.
It's part of the reason why he recruited Argentine midfielder Matias Sanchez, who will make his Victory debutthis weekend along with fringe Socceroos utility Rhys Williams and Dutch winger Leroy George.
George is lacking in match fitness and likely to come off the bench while defender Williams -- who the Sky Blues tried to sign -- could be in line for a midfield role in Milligan's absence.
Winger Mitch Austin is also set to figure after attracting headlines this week for walking out of an ABC TV interview when he suffered a panic attack.
"Mitch is fine. It wasn't pleasant but first and foremost it was about his health and wellbeing and he's fine," Muscat said.
"He's trained all week. His teammates have gathered around him, given him a little bit of stick as well.
"But he's taken it really well and I'm just pleased that he's OK."
Sydney have no absentees and beat Melbourne Victory four times last season -- the most recent in the A-League decider on penalties.
STATS THAT MATTER
* Sydney FC are undefeated in the past five Big Blue meetings and will be looking for back- to-back wins against Victory in Melbourne for the first time.
* Only once in the past 10 years have the reigning A-League champions won their opening game of the season (Brisbane Roar in 2011-12).
* Melbourne Victory have won five of their past six matches at home; keeping clean sheets in their past two.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Confident Victory shoot up A-League Dec 29
- Berisha gets Victory home over Jets Dec 29
- Confident Muscat talking up Victory Dec 27
- Berisha hoping for citizenship in 2018 Dec 26
- Muscat has good vibes back at Victory Dec 23
- Milligan gives Victory A-L derby delight Dec 23
- Milligan cleared for Melb A-League derby Dec 21
- Sanchez eager for A-League derby duel Dec 20
- Berisha signs new A-League deal at Victory Dec 20
- Victory pair face tests for A-League derby Dec 20
- Muscat channels pressure into performance Dec 15
- Effort, not change needed in AL: Victory Dec 14