Kevin Muscat says he is satisfied with the output of his team, despite failing to pick up all three points against Suwon Bluewings on Tuesday night.
The Victory were smashed 5-0 by Brisbane Roar on Saturday and the coach demanded a response from his players in the build-up to the match, just three days after the Queensland mauling.
Victory huffed and puffed against a dogged Suwon outfit but ultimately could not breach the sturdy South Koreans, made to settle for a somewhat underwhelming 0-0 home draw.
READ MORE: ACL – What We Learned – Melbourne Victory 0 Suwon Bluewings 0
According to the coach, a positive response is exactly what his side delivered, saying he could not fault the Victory players’ effort even without taking home a potentially crucial three points versus the “disciplined” Bluewings.
“I thought the application tonight was outstanding up against a very good team,” Muscat said.
“It was a typical away performance by them. They’re a well disciplined, extremely fit team. When you combine those two ingredients, it’s hard to break the opposition down, especially when the mindset is as it was.
“They made it tough for us, we created two or three half-chances and at this level, you’ve got to take one of those.
“Having said that, I thought we worked tirelessly. We worked tirelessly to try and create openings, get in behind them … It wasn’t to be, but it was good, solid performance from us. We remained disciplined, we didn’t lose our shape.”
Victory can now boast five points from a possible nine in the ACL, but with home games all the more important for Australian teams in Asia, Tuesday’s result could prove detrimental to Victory’s hopes of qualifying for the round of 16.
Yet with just one home game remaining and two tough away games against Suwon and Shanghai SIPG, Muscat remained upbeat and defiant about any missed opportunity.
“I’m ever the optimist,” he said.
“Yes, you want to win your home games, getting through the group stage is a lot easier if you win your home games, without doubt.
“We also went to Gamba and brought a point home, so there’s still so much to play for.
“In a couple of hours’ time, we’ll be top of the group or we’ll be second, the half way mark.
“Would I have liked a couple more points? Without doubt. But I’m not going to knock the effort that that group gave tonight.”
Victory’s next ACL match is the return fixture against Suwon in Korea on 6 April.
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