“They're still quality,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com from Wellington today.

“They'll be right up there. I don't think they did much in the pre-season cup last year either. Musky won't let the team slip."

Victory is in the unusual position of being bottom of its Pre-Season cup group without a win in three.

But Aloisi says it's way too early to press any panic buttons.

“You've got Danny Allsopp and Archie Thompson again they are going to be very dangerous," he said.

"And obviously Brebner and the new Costa Rican Hernandez are going to be there doing well.

"The only player they've really lost is Leijer but then Ljubo Milicevic comes into the team so he's a very experienced player."

He added: “They are going to be right up there and if they don't win it, they'll go very. very close.”

As for the reported personality clashes in the group, Aloisi admitted: “That happens at every club.

"People are always looking for a scapegoat and people have blown that out of proportion.”

Victory travels to Wellington for opening round of the A-League in two weeks' time, and Aloisi senses the city is starting to take to its new A-League franchise.

“The excitement level's been great," he said. "We had 7500 for our first game which is pretty good for a new club.

"But Wellington is a pretty sporting city. Since we beat Melbourne, there's been a lot more talk here and there's even talk of 20-25,000 for the first game.

"I don't know if that's going to happen but you've not kids coming up to you on the streets."

He added: “The owner has done every thing he can to help promote the club.

"And the players have been going out to clubs and that promotion has been second to none, considering we've only had four months."

Aloisi is also impressed by the fan group Yellow Fever, which was formed shortly after the club was announced. It has reached an estimated 1500-2000 member figure already.

“The Yellow Fever supporters, they are sensational," he said. "I know they are going to be a massive part of the year.

"We'll play with a never say die attitude and hopefully we can make the top four.

"That's what it's all about for the players and, of course, the supporters.”

Tomorrow night (Friday), Aloisi's Wellington host the Jets in the Pre-Season Cup.