Search

show me:

Brebner puts Victory players on notice

3 minute read

Melbourne Victory coach Grant Brebner has given his players a stern warning that changes will continue if they can't lift themselves off the foot of the ladder.

Victory interim Head Coach, GRANT BREBNER gives instructions during a Melbourne Victory A-League training session at Gosch's Paddock in Melbourne, Australia.
Victory interim Head Coach, GRANT BREBNER gives instructions during a Melbourne Victory A-League training session at Gosch's Paddock in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melbourne Victory coach Grant Brebner has laid down the gauntlet with his struggling side after the A-League giants slumped to the bottom of the ladder over the weekend.

Their 5-2 loss to Brisbane on Saturday came as a shock with the four-time champions now 11th, with just one win from five matches this season.

Brebner said players who did not execute their jobs were made brutally aware in honest meetings in the days since their heavy loss to the Roar.

While he refused to name names, Brebner said those players now have a chance to show they actually want to play for the club or they'll be out of the side.

Brebner said the players handled the warning with class and he's confident they will have the right response against Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday night.

"I've had tough times as a player and obviously this is a challenging time as a coach but one thing we will never accept, and this is everybody connected with the football club, is letting people down and that's our members and fans," he said on Tuesday.

"We did that on the weekend, personally and throughout the playing group we've acknowledged that, and the players the staff and myself need to show that we want this football club to succeed.

"So if that means players are on notice, absolutely."

Brebner confirmed he is sticking to his word by making changes to the squad to face the Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium.

"We'll definitely make changes, but I'm not going to acknowledge here who those changes are until tomorrow night," he said.

"On the flip side of that, after the meetings we've had, I want to make sure those players that I've had quite honest conversations with get the opportunity to show that they want to play for this football club."

Although Brebner was vague when asked to name specific players on the chopping block, he said there were no mixed messages within the squad.

"Nobody came in after the game and was confused by what was said, they took it on the chin, manned up and we're moving on," he said.

The Wanderers are sixth on the ladder after their 2-2 draw with Macarthur on Saturday, but are within reach of breaking into the top two with a win on Wednesday.

STATS THAT MATTER

* Western Sydney's six conceded goals this season have all come from set pieces.

* Melbourne Victory have only scored two away goals this season, the fewest of any other A-League team.

* The Wanderers have won the past two matches against the Victory by a 2-1 scoreline, despite winning just one of their 17 prior meetings.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au