Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John Aloisi has welcomed any pre-match nerves his players have for the Red and White’s big Hyundai A-League opener in the Melbourne Derby on Saturday night.
Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John Aloisi has welcomed any pre-match nerves his players have for the Red and White-s big Hyundai A-League opener on Saturday night.
With a record-breaking Melbourne Derby crowd expected at Etihad Stadium and following an arduous pre-season, Aloisi admitted some players might possess a few butterflies before season nine commences – but expects his players to harness those nerves and produce a positive start.
“I think everyone does [feel nervous] a little bit, and I think a few nerves are good,” Aloisi said.
“But the players are the ones that go out on the pitch and have to perform and I want them to feel it a little bit because I know that then they are going to perform.
“Our players seem to be able to perform on big stages and in big games.
“It-s been such a long off-season and the first one is a big one -[it-s] hopefully a full house [with] 50,000 people.
“It-s such a special day for our supporters, our Club and for the players.”
The Red and White claimed first blood in the Derby opener at Etihad last season, and with the ledger tied at three wins, three draws and three losses a piece, Aloisi predicts another tough encounter.
“In terms of head to head I think we-re about even,” Aloisi said.
“We just need to focus on what we want to do this season and be there at the end of the season competing for the trophy and that-s all we-re concentrating on.”
