Victory fell 1-0 in last Friday’s top-of-the-table clash which led to Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold to state they had the mental advantage over their rivals in a Fox Sports interview.

And while Victory vice-captain Leigh Broxham disagreed with Arnold’s comments after the game, the Big V skipper said the Sydney coach was right.

“He’s beaten us three times, we can’t say he’s wrong, he’s definitely right,” Valeri said.

“They’ve showed they’ve been consistent all season, no one can say anything wrong about Sydney this year.

“We could have performed a little bit better I thought but in saying that we’ll get another opportunity.”

Table-topping Sydney holds an 11-point advantage over second-placed Victory on the table with five games left in the regular season.

There is a possibility the pair could meet in the Grand Final, but Valeri has maintained Victory’s ability to beat any team in the league after all Big Blue clashes were decided by one goal this season.

“Three similar games when you break them down, also not taking your chances and goals that could have been avoided so there are two sides to it,” he said.

“We know that as a group, we’ve known that before and gone into the game with the same mentality so we’ll just have to wait and see. For now we just really have to work on Perth Glory because that’ll eventually take us to Sydney.

“It’s still mathematically possible (to finish first) you hope but Sydney have been so consistent all season and credit to them, you can’t take anything away from them.”

It was announced on Wednesday morning the Victory skipper signed a one-year contract extension to remain at the club until the end of next season.

Valeri has enjoyed silverware in his time at the club and says he sees no other option but to finish his professional career in Melbourne taking into account his family’s wellbeing.

Ben Khalfallah may be needed in Round 24 with the World Cup Qualifiers potentially rulling out key players

And with speculation coming with Fahid Ben Khalfallah’s contractual situation, Valeri talked up the Tunisian’s professionalism.

“Fahid’s been training fantastically, he’s been working hard and having a laugh and doing what he normally does,” he said.

“Every player has contract issues, I was in discussions for a couple of weeks. It’s quite normal at every football club.

“Fahid has a great history as a footballer and he can do a lot of things knowing his character. He’s a very smart man and can do a lot of great things so I hope he can contribute to the game in Australia.

“They’re decisions I can’t make, only he knows. He’s got to sort it.

Victory take on Glory on Saturday night who are on an undefeated five-game run.

They sit fifth on the table and could potentially rise to third should they win.

Valeri said Glory star Diego Castro was worth watching after his consistent performances this season.

Spaniard Castro has enjoyed a stellar season

“He’s a fantastic player and adds a lot to the league, they’ve got numerous amounts of players that you have to be wary of,” he said.

“I think every team this year has had a couple of players that are performing outstanding so every week we come up against them and this week it’s him.”

Main Photo: Valeri involved in a heated discussion with the officials, Sydney captain Alex Brosque and teammate Besart Berisha on Australia Day. By Ashley Perez Photography.