‘…is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’ – Albert Einstein.
Whilst recognising the wisdom of the Mariners short tour to China for a few warm up games against some of the stronger Chinese league sides, I am not yet convinced that management has really accepted that some changes of approach are probably necessary in order to progress in Asia.
The Mariners are entering this competition with unquestionably poor form (sorry but ‘ordinary' or ‘average' form just doesn't quite capture it). The three losses experienced in warm up games since the end of the A-League season, suggest that there are some positive signs with the team in terms of individual player performances, and that yes the team can effectively press their opponents and even dominate periods of possession.
However, the key issue facing the team at the moment appears to be scoring goals. This is a problem that has carried through from the end of the regular season, and the semi final series against Roar.
Our strikers do have a proven pedigree in scoring goals, so I would not argue that it's a question of strike power per se. Confidence may be part of the problem - however, what is clearly an area that is in urgent need of attention is the absence of a goal threat from midfield.
Successful teams do not rely on strikers to win every game, as Melbourne and Queensland proved during the year. Key goals come from the midfield and the backs. Melbourne's success was anchored in the constant threat posed out of midfield.
Hernandez and Pondeljak were highly effective in key games, including of course the grand final. Likewise, Nichols, Miller and Zullo were often as potent as Van Dyke for Queensland.
Hutchinson, Gumprecht, Caceres, and Elrich need to replicate this sort of goal scoring contribution, and quickly.
Elrich has spent more time out of the game than in it over recent seasons. We know the attacking threat he can pose is substantial. He is a skilled player with excellent acceleration and speed. I only hope the knee problems he has had do not blunt his potency, and that he is fully rehabilitated.
I have a nagging fear that we will persevere with a 4-3-3 direct and narrow strategy, that rests on three similarly styled strikers delivering the result. It is time to change the formula, because its clearly not working.
Having said all of this, history will be made against the Pohang Steelers next Wednesday night. Anything short of progression from the group stage would have to be considered a failure.
The whole All Central Coast football community should make sure they get to the game next week and support the team. The guys need confidence, and a big crowd will surely help lift them in this huge game.
Speaking of big crowds, Melbourne, and their fans are to be congratulated for not only their victory on the weekend, but the great spectacle that was the grand final.
A 50,000 plus crowd for a football final, in what is undoubtedly the sporting capital of Australia, was yet another demonstration of just how far this sport has come in such a short time in this country. Adelaide put up a courageous fight, but no one can deny Melbourne's legitimacy as champions.
Well done Melbourne Victory, and best wishes to Tommy Pondeljak, as a former Mariner and real gentleman of the game, it was great to seem him score the winning goal and take away the Marsden medal.
