Melbourne Victory's Ziereis ready for City derby clash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 02:02 · Archive

Melbourne Victory defender Philipp Ziereis brings German derby experience to his first A-League Men clash with Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday.

Melbourne Victory defender Philipp Ziereis is preparing for his first A-League Men derby against Melbourne City on Saturday at AAMI Park. The 33-year-old right-back brings experience of German football's fiercest regional derbies, having spent nine years with St Pauli and played for Gruether Furth in the 'Frankenderby' against Bavarian rivals FC Nurnberg last season.

Both Victory and City are seeking their first wins of the A-League Men season after round-one defeats in New Zealand. Victory's recent schedule has been demanding: the squad played the Australia Cup final against South Melbourne, an Asian Champions League 2 victory over FC Seoul, and their ALM opener against Wellington Phoenix within eight days. They have since enjoyed a few days to recover.

Ziereis said the derby represents more than a regular match. 'It's always good to have a derby in your city. These are the big games that you want to play in. You can feel it in the city the week before and the fans make it a special atmosphere,' he said. Victory have operated under new manager Giovanni Savarese this season.

How it is being reported

• German derby know-how steels Victory star for City dateMelbourne Victory's Philipp Ziereis has fond memories of his experience in German derbies and is excited about his first A-League Men clash with Melbourne City.The West Australian · 23 Oct, 01:33
• German derby know-how steels Victory star for City dateMelbourne Victory's Philipp Ziereis has fond memories of his experience in German derbies and is excited about his first A-League Men clash with Melbourne City.Perth Now · 23 Oct, 01:33

In this story: Philipp Ziereis · Melbourne Victory · Melbourne City · St Pauli · Gruether Furth · Giovanni Savarese · AAMI Park · Melbourne

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