Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Richard Garcia is hopeful the Club can get its season on track against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday night at AAMI Park.
Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Richard Garcia is hopeful the Club can get its season on track against cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday night at AAMI Park.
Heart has only lost one of the seven Melbourne derbies to date, and Garcia thinks this Saturday will be the perfect opportunity to start a good run in the league.
“Amongst the guys we want to string a few wins together and try to go on a run, and what better opportunity to do it than against your rivals,” Garcia said after training this afternoon.
“We’re feeling really good. We’ve had a good weeks training and we’re really looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“It’s a big game and everybody likes to play in it.”
Garcia recently represented the Qantas Socceroos in the EAFF East Asian Cup qualifiers in Hong Kong, along with Heart teammates Michael Marrone and Aziz Behich.
The trio returned last week in time to face the Central Coast Mariners, but the gruelling schedule took its toll on the midfielder who had to be taken off at half-time.
But Garcia says he is feeling refreshed and ready to take on our cross-town rivals, but also admits he is taking the derby as any other game.
“Thankfully [Aloisi] took me off and gave me the rest I needed.” said Garcia.
“I’ve had a good week of training.
“The derby obviously has spice and added atmosphere, but you’ve still got to get the three points, so as far as I’m concerned the objectives are still the same.
“We’ve just got to be concentrating on our league form and continue what we’ve been doing in training.”
