Entries Tagged 'News' ↓

Ljubo Milicevic has been invited back to training, but his future with the Melbourne Victory is still looking doubtful.

An article in The Advertiser today, titled “Ljubo up for grabs”, once again suggests that Ljubo could join Adelaide United in November, as a replacement for Angelo Costanzo, who picked up an injury in the clash with the Victory two weeks ago. It doesn’t look like it would be a long-term affair, as Milicevic seems to be eyeing a return to Europe in January.

Some interesting news from other A-League clubs over the weekend:

• Branko Culina has been fired by Sydney FC. David Mitchell, who is currently the Perth Glory’s assistant coach, appears to be the most likely candidate to replace Culina. (The World Game)
• John Aloisi has been signed by the Central Coast Mariners. This is after negotiations with Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix (where he could have played alongside the wrong… err… Ross Aloisi), Queensland Roar and Adelaide United. But, I hear you wonder, how can Central Coast afford a player like Aloisi without breaking the salary cap? The Football Tragic explains.

Things appear to be settling down on the Archie front, but a great big question mark is still looming over Ljubo Milicevic’ future with the Melbourne Victory.

Earlier this week, Archie Thompson expressed his anger over the suspension, suggesting that he is willing to return to Europe if the “right offer” should arise. But after meeting with the other members of Melbourne’s leadership group yesterday over – you guessed it – breakfast, Archie returned to training today, making an official apology to his team mates and Victory officials (the Age).

(As an aside, I was interested to learn that the leadership team includes Rodrigo Vargas, Grant Brebner, Danny Allsopp and Kevin Muscat, as well as Archie, of course. Any surprises there?)

Ljubo Milicevic, on the other hand, has not made a noise this week, instead preferring to send all questions over to the Professional Footballers Association, his union. The Victory also appears hesitant to make any declarations about whether Milicevic’ will be staying or going. Of course, this in itself suggests that an early exit for Milicevic is a realistic possibility.

Meanwhile, a rather curious article in The Advertiser yesterday suggested that there may be talk of Milicevic moving over to Adelaide United. Adelaide have their fair share of injury problems at the moment, so it’s not surprising that they’re on the prowl for defenders. But Ljubo? Surely his performance on Friday night wasn’t impressive enough to warrant such interest?

Daniel Piorkowski could have another season turn purple. The Melbourne Victory defender received a bad blow to his shoulder on Friday against the Queensland Roar.

According to The Age, much depends on whether Piorkowski needs surgery. If he does, the expected recovery time is 12 weeks.

That would make Piorkowski the Victory’s most unlucky player for a second year running. Last year, he picked up a hamstring injury in round 13 and was forced to watch Melbourne win the Premiership and Grand Final from the sidelines.