Melbourne Victory forward Kosta Barbarouses is determined to leave the club on a high after their upcoming A-League campaign.
It was confirmed at the beginning of March the speedster was set for a homecoming to Wellington next season where the Kiwi made his A-League debut back in season 2007-08.
The last game Barbarouses will most likely play would be a Round of 16 Asian Champions League game, should Victory progress through the group. He admitted it was an emotional time, but was trying to make it as normal as possible.
“It’s hit me a bit now, but it’s given me more of a boost to want to go out on a high. What better way than to be successful in the finals. Those are my main objectives, if I can leave on a higher note, it’ll be the perfect send off,” he said.
“It’ll be good for him to have a familiar face (Finkler) there at Wellington. We’re really focused on doing well here first before we think of any of that. He’s a massive part of our team, having him motivated is massive for us.”
In the final weeks of the A-League, Melbourne Victory supporters have been gracious to the 26-year-old, putting up farewell banners and requesting photos with the forward.
Barbarouses is appreciative of the common understanding and connection he’s built with the Victory fans.
“The main thing with that, they know how much I respect them and the club. I’ve always been open to speak to the fans and give them my time,” Barbarouses said.
“I think they appreciate that and haven’t had any bad situations with our supporters, they’ve been fantastic for me.”
Victory will take confidence into Friday’s elimination final clash against Brisbane Roar, after their goalless draw last Saturday prevented Brisbane from winning the Premiers Plate.
Besart Berisha had his two-match ban for violent conduct agains Wellington defender Andrew Durante reduced to one-match, which means he will available to play on Friday to play against his former side.
Understandably, the likes of Barbarouses and his teammates are delighted to have their talisman back in the Victory ranks.
“We’re really delighted to have Bes available for us, it’s a huge asset having him in our team,” he said.
“I guess he’d be pretty happy, he’s never one to be to be happy to miss a game, and he’ll be fit and raring to go.”
“Personally I was just hopeful (the appeal would be successful), but you never know with those sort of things. He was brave to appeal it and did the right thing.”
“He really loves to be able to help the team, he’s a top professional. Even before the appeal he would have been ready to play on Friday night anyway.”
The Victory attacker believes the side are primed and ready to upset the odds and inflict only their second loss of the season at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’ve got a really good chance to win, we’ve come off some good form and we have to take a lot of confidence from the last few weeks and everyone who’s stepped in has done a really good job as well.”
“I feel fresh now, I’m sure the boys who were rested feel pretty good too. It’s a normal week for us playing on Saturday night, everyone did the same recovery and training normal yesterday.”
“Two days leading up to the game, everyone’s on the same level and ready.”
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