19 Oct Muscat demands collective effort ahead of derby opener

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has called for a collective focus ahead of Saturday night’s derby clash against rivals Melbourne City at Marvel Stadium.

All the hype coming into the Victory’s season opener has surrounded the marquee addition of Japense superstar Keisuke Honda and the potential impact he could make on both the reigning champions and the A-League as a whole.

Muscat confirmed the attacking midfielder will start in tomorrow night’s blockbuster, but has warned it’s going to take a team performance if they're to get their new campaign off to a winning start.

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“There’s no reason for him (Honda) not to be included,” Muscat said.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching him play for his national team against us on many occasions and he’s a talented footballer.

“The key is for everyone now to work as a team, work as a collective and that’s what the focus has been on.

“We’ll get better and better as the season goes on.”

As well as Honda, the Victory also acquired Swedish striker Ola Toivonen and Spanish midfielder Raul Baena.