When asked how difficult it will be to replace Geria in the starting lineup, Diles responded, “Aside from what he offers on the field, you know, he’s one of the best right fullbacks in this country.”
He is an indisputable asset to this squad both off the field and in the locker room, and that contributed to the defeat as well.
Even though it might be quite difficult to find a comparable replacement for the Socceroos defender, Diles has acknowledged that the team is now doing a thorough search to strengthen its defense.
“Yes, without a doubt, we’ll examine the market,” he replied. “Not only will we consider what is available, but we will also consider what is best for this team and this club over the long run.
“It goes beyond simply covering a gap for four months. We should bring in a player, you know, since that will help the group going forward.
“But first, we’ll look within and in the academy,” he continued. And that’s fantastic if we have something there. We will strive for such possibilities as well if we believe that something isn’t ready now and we need to go elsewhere.
Diles thinks his squad will need to be alert when they play a Western club that is heading into the match having lost 2-0 to Melbourne City on Tuesday night, as focus shifts to Geria’s final game on Friday night.
Definitely a reaction and a bounce back for sure,” said Diles when asked what he’s expecting to see from his opponents.
“You know, they’re a good team. They’re well coached, and we’ll be ready for that, but so are we.
“As a team, we are prepared to take the initiative and keep moving forward. I’m confident that both of us will be prepared by tomorrow evening.
With three draws and a loss since replacing former head coach Patrick Kisnorbo, Diles will be seeking to secure his first victory as Victory’s manager in the match against Western United.
However, despite being in the hot seat for four games without a win, Diles says he’s not feeling the pressure.
“It’s not about being comfortable in this role. For me. I think you got to be uncomfortable. I think comfort can also bring complacency as well.
“So for me, I don’t want to feel comfortable. I want to know that there’s always something to do and always something (that) needs to be better.
So it’s been a tricky couple of weeks because of the turnaround and the situation, but I’ve enjoyed it and and the team’s progressing nicely, and want to keep progressing.”
With just one win in their last five matches, Victory are currently fourth on the Isuzu UTE A-League ladder, four points behind Auckland FC in top spot.
