Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat says he was happy with his side’s performance in the Melbourne Derby, despite being confined to a fourth loss in a row by their local rivals.
Muscat was glowing in his praise for his players, insisting they did not look like a team that had played three matches in a week, ending that period on a hot Melbourne night against their neighbours.
The coach insisted his team was deserving of at least a point after launching an attacking barrage in the second half.
“I’m trying to still focus on the positives,” Muscat said after the match.
“I thought we were exceptional tonight. Once again, we come away from here tonight wondering how we didn’t get something out of the game.
“For the boys to perform in the second half … after the first half we looked a little bit out of sorts. But the second half was a one-sided game.
“I’m just so disappointed for the group. Third game in eight days … we didn’t look like the team that travelled across to Perth, Auckland, Western Sydney … I’m disappointed they (playing group) didn’t get some form of reward in the form of points.
“No one hates defeat more than me, but I’m really proud of the group tonight.”
Muscat was delighted his side heeded calls to play “without fear” after some cagey performances in their losing streak and said it has reclaimed an edge to its play.
“We got our edge back in terms of playing without fear and playing on the edge and wanting to take risks.
“More times than not, that performance would end up with some kind of return for points, but it wasn’t to be.”
The defeat leaves Victory four points behind City. They are back at home next Sunday afternoon against Perth Glory.
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