Adelaide United Assistant Coach, Mark Milligan, has called for a response from the Reds this Saturday when Melbourne Victory visit Hindmarsh.
The former Victory Captain and Championship-winner, who joined Carl Veart’s backroom staff this season, is well versed in the explosive occasion the Original Rivalry creates.
As such, Milligan believes there’s no better fixture for United to turn its fortunes around than when the Club’s eastern rivals come to town.
Mariners performance:
“Taking nothing away from the Mariners, I think they’re a very good side.
“But for large parts of the first half, mainly, we allowed them to dictate (the gameplay).
“We wanted to be on the front foot and we were a little bit passive, so we’ve had to address that.
“And as I said, there’s been good acknowledgement from the boys and a good response (in training).
“I think everyone needs to earn their place and a 4-0 (loss), you’re not going to walk away happy from that.
“So, as I said, everybody’s now fighting for a spot this week.
“Whether these changes come Saturday, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Changing form for Victory:
“The World Cup break probably wasn’t an ideal time for us, but we need to get back into our stride quickly.
“The last couple of days have been good and the boys are very aware, as a group, of where the improvement needs to come from and what needs to happen for us to turn this around.
“And there’s probably no better game for them to go into to turn it around, than Melbourne Victory,
“Traditionally there’s always been a lot of feeling in this match, so we’re going to have to be at our very best.
“(This year) our fans have been fantastic so far.
“Our performances at home have been good… and we expect the same come Saturday.
“A Saturday night game, a good time, good weather, a big crowd, and, as I said, Victory coming here, everybody’s always up for it.”
Isaías’ suspension:
“First and foremost, Isa’s a very experienced player.
“We’re all aware now that in the league and the way that it’s refereed, you can’t put yourself into a position to allow the referee to send yourself off.
“After the first half that we’d had, I think he’s come out and sort of wanted to set the tone a little bit.
“But, like I said, he’s experienced and we ultimately expect him to know a little better.”
