Victory Looking Forward to Olympiacos Visit

The glamour friendly against Olympiacos at the Etihad Stadium, on May 19, gives Melbourne Victory players the chance to stake a claim under new manager, Ange Postecoglou, according to Archie Thompson.

Grand Final winner, Postecoglou, has already laid out the foundations he believes will help Victory avoid another season flirting with disaster. The club’s record goal-scorer, Thompson, says that the players cannot wait for next season already.

First, there is the prestige visit of the Greek champions, and the chance to impress the former Brisbane Roar coach.

“With Ange on board, hopefully, you can see a little bit, next week, but what’s more important is the start of next season”, Thompson said at the Melbourne Victory-Olympiacos launch at Alphington Grammar School.

Thompson’s endorsement was backed up midfielder, Marco Rojas, who said that he and his teammates were excited by the prospect of pitting their wits against one of the most famous clubs in Greek football.

“For the champions of Greece to come down and play against us is something special”, Rojas said. “These are the types of games you play football for.

“The big crowds, the big atmosphere; there’s nothing better than that, and, hopefully, I’ll be able to get some time on the pitch and just enjoy myself.”

Scottish champions, Glasgow Celtic, were the opponents in a similar marquee friendly, this time last year, and Rojas said it was important for fringe and youth players to test themselves. “It’s not every day you get to play against these sorts of teams”, said the 20-year-old Kiwi.

“Last year, we got to play against Celtic; this year, Olympiacos, and they’re going to be a tough team. It’s a chance probably for some of the younger boys to have a chance to look and see how close they are to that level.”

 

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