Melbourne City striker Bruno Fornaroli took a light-hearted approach to Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat’s comments, made last week.
After spoiling Brisbane Roar’s opportunity to finish first last Saturday, the Victory boss said what drove them on the night was the mentality of wanting to be the only team that celebrates trophies at AAMI Park.
After taking out the A-League Golden Boot with 23 goals last weekend, Fornaroli had the chance to mingle with the fans and look at the A-League trophy at Olympic Park today.
Unsurprisingly, El Tuna is primed for the finals and is eager to shoot City to a first ever championship, with the possibility of lifting the trophy at AAMI Park.
“I don’t know who he (Muscat) is,” Fornaroli joked.
“I can’t pay too much attention on what another coach has to say, it’s important to listen to my own coach (John van’t Schip) and his instructions and deliver his message for the team on the weekend.
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“When you see the trophy so close to your hands, naturally you want to hold it up to your head and celebrate. We’ve got a lot of hard work to do and we have to get to that point first.
“It’s my first finals, and I want to win the whole thing.”
However, City suffered a blow late on Tuesday afternoon with Harry Novillo hit with a two-match suspension by the FFA’s Match Review Panel. The Martinique forward was involved in the melee which broke out at half time in last week’s 2-0 loss to Adelaide United, and City could well lament the loss of his 10-goal prowess.
The suspension will more than likely stand unless an appeal is launched, but Fornaroli was remaining hopeful his strike partner would line up against Perth Glory.
“It’s easier for me when you play next to Harry and Aaron,” he said.
“They are very smart footballers and help me every time, it’s perfect for me.
“Aaron is an important player for Australian football, it’s great to have his ability next to me.”
The 28-year-old has drawn more attention from defenders as the season progressed, but the Uruguayan said he was undeterred by the extra attention and urged the club’s fans to get down to AAMI Park on Sunday.
“I can’t think their defenders are strong, it’s not my style. I play my game, it’s better that way,” he said.
“I don’t think too much, I only want to come, play and enjoy myself. That’s it.
“For me every game is different and every game I try my best, but when we don’t finish first, we have this opportunity. I need to play better, I’ll put this in my mind and try to play well.
“I have to enjoy these types of games, get the most out of it and be happy.
“It’s very important to get a big crowd, maybe it’s the last game at this stadium. The fans here, I think it’s very important for them to come in and support us.”
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