Auckland FC’s coach is seeking "revenge" as his squad prepares for a semi-final rematch against Melbourne Victory in the opening round of the A-League this weekend.
Saturday’s opener at AAMI Park in Victoria will be the first time the two sides have faced off since Victory stormed to the grand final after defeating the Black Knights at home.
Despite falling short of the grand final, Auckland became the first New Zealand team to win the Premiers Plate after finishing the regular season at the top of the table.
Head coach Steve Corica said he was “excited” to start the season against Victory – and hoped for a bit of redemption.
“It’s always exciting, the first game of the season, I think, being away from home, there is a little bit less pressure on us. I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“There’s a bit of revenge that hopefully we can take care of down there and come back with three points.”
Corica hoped the heartbreak of last season's loss would motivate his players.
“Gotta feel those emotions as well, and how you felt when we lost that final and hopefully that drives them forward.”
Star forward Guillermo May, who was tied as Auckland’s top goal scorer with nine last season, agreed emotion of the Victory loss would motivate him and his teammates.
“We have to be better ourselves to win that game. This season, we are going to beat [them].
“We beat them twice there, so we know we can win at that stadium.
“We are here to be the best team in the league, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
'Competition is a good thing'
It was a busy transfer window for Auckland, who lost several key players over the winter break.
League goalkeeper of the year Alex Paulsen and forward Max Mata’s loan spells ended, while defenders Scott Galloway and Tommy Smith, and midfielders Neyder Moreno and Luis Toomey left the club. Goalkeeper Scott Morris made the decision to retire from football after sustaining an injury.
To fill the gaps, Corica signed English target-man Sam Cosgrove alongside Aussies Lachlan Brook and Jake Girdwood Reich as winger and centre back, respectively.
After Morris’ retirement, it was revealed All Whites goalkeeper Oli Sail would return to New Zealand from Perth to take his place.
The updated roster meant more positions will be up for grabs in the starting line up.
Logan Rogerson, Auckland’s other top scorer from last season, said competition should hopefully turn into good results.
“Competition is a good thing, we don’t want complacency, and Steve bringing in these players, we’ve got competition now,” he said.
“I definitely think it’s a good thing and, personally, it means that I’m going to have to train harder, perform better. I think it’s a good thing.”
'A lot of goals'
The 24/25 season was a remarkable debut for the club, losing just three games and finishing the season top of the league with a comfortable five-point lead over eventual champions Melbourne City.
The club also found off-the-pitch success, with one of the highest attendance rates in the league and sold-out stadiums for big fixtures.
Asked if he was concerned the team could not maintain the same level of consistency as last season, Corica said he was aiming to do even better.
“I’m just excited for the second year to see if we can be as consistent as the first year, and if we are, we’ll be right at the top.”
He said the team would “continue what we’re doing” and play some “exciting football” with “a lot of goals”.
“If we could do that, I’d be happy.”
CEO Nick Becker reiterated there would be no let up on seeking excellence at the club.
“I think there is no complacency across the club at all, and I think that there is a lot of people who’ve said to us ‘Oh It’s going to be a hard second season', but I completely disagree.
“I think that’s a really negative way to look at it.
“For us it’s a massive opportunity, we’ve come out in the first season, announced who we are and what we’re about, we’ve stuck true to our values, and I think we just continue to do that.”
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