“Look, I love John McEnroe as well, I used to like some of his histrionics., but I don't think I'm anywhere near as bad as McEnroe. Maybe when I played but certainly not now,” Kosmina said after training this morning.

Sydney FC boardmember LaPaglia had reportedly said that he enjoyed the passion that Kosmina brings to the A-League.

"I'm not saying John won't be John, but I don't mind that. To me he's like the (John) McEnroe of coaching," the TV star said.

"I used to love watching tennis, but I find it really dull now. It has no colour, unlike when McEnroe and (Jimmy) Connors played - it had an edge to it, and I feel that John has that."

Kosmina added: “I'm fairly docile most of the time. Like everyone else I can get a bit heated up in the heat of the moment.”

Saturday night at Telstra Dome will no doubt get heated. Melbourne versus Sydney has a history, as does Kosmina and Victory. However, Kossie is keen to play the hype down.

“I like going to Telstra Dome. It's a fantastic atmosphere. It's got no bad memories for me,” he added.

As for the game, he says attitude again will be a main key for his side who have lifted over the last two weeks since his arrival at Moore Park.

“It's always about character," said Kosmina."It's great to have characters in your side but the real characters are the ones who'll battle and be in the trenches with you and win games.

“That's what I'm worried about with Melbourne. Musky's [Kevin Muscat] is that sort of character. He can pull something out when things go against them. We need to think that way and I think we've got the players who can do that.”

As for preparations ahead of Saturday night's blockbuster, Kosmina added: “We've done some shape work but it was more just of getting some ideas. Our guys know what is required on the day.”