Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic won’t underestimate fatigued Central Coast Mariners outfit

Coach Tony Popovic of Melbourne Victory is cautious about the Central Coast Mariners, who will be motivated by “adrenaline and momentum” when they play on Sunday at AAMI Park.

The Mariners’ AFC Cup ASEAN zonal final versus Macarthur FC on Thursday night at Campbelltown Stadium required extra time to choose a winner, so you couldn’t blame them for being exhausted.

On the other hand, the Mariners will be full of confidence when they play the Victory in their A-League return after winning 3-2 after two hours of football.

Popovic stated, “I expect them to come with great spirit and confidence from that result.”

“Momentum and adrenaline can help you overcome that (tiredness).”

“They have a great deal of confidence and the mind is a powerful tool.” With or without Thursday’s game, we wouldn’t undervalue them because of their excellent season, and they would be treated with the decency they deserve.

The Mariners will not only have to defy fatigue, but also a woeful away record against the Victory.

In 25 A-League visits to Victoria to meet the Victory since the competition’s inception in 2005, the Mariners have only won three times and lost on 15 occasions.

And of the 14 of those 25 games that have been played at AAMI Park, the Mariners have lost 12 and failed to win any.

“We need that to continue if they don’t have a good record here against Melbourne Victory,” Popovic stated.

“With the help of the fans, we can have a great Sunday afternoon if we work together to make it as difficult (as possible) for them on the field.”

The Mariners are higher on the ladder in second place because they have won two more games than the Victory. Both teams have the same goal differential of 11 and 31 points from 18 games.

After defeating Western United, who are currently in the basement, 2-1 last Tuesday at AAMI Park, with to a late brace from French defender Damien Da Silva, Popovic’s team is now aiming for back-to-back victories.

Popovic remarked, “Even though we’re thrilled with the victory, we have to move on to the next challenge and the next chance to get three points.”

It will be “tough” for Mariners coach Mark Jackson’s team to physically recover after playing 120 minutes of football on Thursday night.

“The right mix of preparation and recuperation will be essential,” Jackson stated.

“Our key is getting the players mentally prepared to go to Melbourne and deliver a strong performance.”

Macarthur will try to get past their AFC Cup setback to the Mariners when they travel McDonald Jones Stadium to play Newcastle in the other A-League game on Sunday.