Muscat said he had not paid any attention to the criticism of the Albanian on social media, and defended the marksman's performance in the 1-1 draw against Perth Glory last week.

The Victory boss also spoke of the reputation Berisha has built in his time in the A-League, saying it was a contributing factor as to why fans have expected more.

Berisha has put away five goals in eight games so far this season.

“I don’t really speak about individuals, but Bes was brilliant last week," Muscat said. "I wouldn’t even enter the debate because it would be insulting my intelligence.

“The fact is people expect him to score every time he gets the ball and he’s created an expectation that rivals no one else in the competition.

“Over the season he’s scored his fair share of goals. (He’s) working hard for the team, You ask Marco (Rojas), Maxi (Beister), Fahid (Ben Khalfallah) and these guys… the amount of attention he takes off them, I’ve got no problem with Bes whatsoever.

“The expectation he places on himself, because of his track record, everybody places on him, that’s fine, it comes with the territory but analyse the performances and he’s been good so I’ve got no problems.”

Victory travel to ANZ Stadium on Saturday to take on Western Sydney Wanderers who in Muscat’s opinion have travelled similarly to his team this season.

Rojas (hamstring) and Mitch Austin (ankle) are the key outs for the Victory with Nick Ansell and Daniel Georgievski almost fully fit again.

German loanee Beister is on the road to full fitness but is not 100 per cent yet according to the Victory boss.

Western Sydney’s only game at ANZ Stadium this season was a 4-0 thumping by Sydney FC in Round 1, with the club’s fortress – Parramatta Stadium – under renovation due for completion in 2019.

Muscat felt there was no advantage going to ANZ Stadium.

 “Everyone thrives on different things," Muscat said.

"Personally, I love going to Pirtek Stadium, rather than being intimidated or frightened by it, you feel alive and really feel you’re at a football game.

“I don’t know what it’ll be like at ANZ, I’ll be able to answer that after the game, but I went up to watch the Round 1 derby and there was a great atmosphere that night, so we’ll see tomorrow.”