Melbourne Victory midfielder Jesse Makarounas says there are no excuses for where the club stands on the A-League table, but wants to build on personal and collective Asian Champions League momentum.
The Blue and White of Melbourne sit sixth on the table with four games remining. Many backed the reigning premiers to carry their stunning play from last season’s success to the current one, but as it stands, they are clinging to a finals spot.
“It’s easy to say we weren’t really looking at the table, but we can’t use any excuses, it comes down to us,” Makarounas said.
“At the end of the day as a playing group we really have to push now to make sure we make a good run into the finals series and take some momentum into the knockout games.
“However we’ve played some really good games this year, there’s been hard results. The teams above us on the table, most of them have been doing really well, Adelaide went on an unbeaten run.
“When teams are in form like that its hard when you’re not playing at your best to stay above them.”
The 21-year-old has experience playing for the Joeys and Young Socceroos, but has struggled to string together regular minutes with Melbourne Victory since making the move from Perth Glory.
Makarounas was afforded a starting berth in Victory’s midweek 0-0 draw with Suwon Bluewings, and in a rather stale match, the 21-year-old can hold his head high after a strong performance.
Comparatively, the Victory were embarrassed 5-0 away against Brisbane last week in the domestic competition. Makarounas is looking to take momentum into Sunday’s game against Newcastle should he take field, but was keen to take stock from Tuesday’s game.
“I’m feeling good after the game, it was my first start in a while,” he said.
“I felt good while I was playing, I’m really looking forward to building onto that, getting some more minutes and contributing to the team more on Sunday.
“Coming off a disappointing game against Brisbane, it was very deflating for the boys.
“We showed on Tuesday night everyone’s willing to roll their sleeves up and work hard for each other and the team.
“It’s a massive game for us on Sunday. We need to take maximum points from all our games coming up in the A-League especially to cement our spot in the finals, because we need to be there, we’re such a big club.”
Right-back Jason Geria will be out for next week’s game against Western Sydney Wanderers after his first call-up for Socceroos duty.
Makarounas opened up about his relationship with the 22-year-old, saying Geria’s Australia selection was a long time coming, and that his absence presents an opportunity for Victory’s other full-backs.
“There’s opportunities for other boys, Jason and I have a really close relationship, we lived together for over a year,” he said.
“I’m ecstatic for him, I think he deserves all the accolade he’s getting and really deserves his call-up because he’s been a main starter in our team over the last two seasons and been one of the best and most consistent performers.
“When he’s playing games consistently, week in and week out then he showed for himself he deserves a spot in the Socceroos squad.
“Everyone at the club is really happy for him, it’ll be hard to miss him because he’s playing every single game.
“We have a big squad, there are those who can play in those full-back positions and people who can cover and come in and do the job for him especially at a really important time of the season.”
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