After being locked in a heated battle with Adelaide United captain Stefan Mauk, Neil Kilkenny had the final word following Perth Glory’s 2-1 comeback win at Coopers Stadium.
The pair were teammates during Kilkenny’s 18-month spell at Melbourne City between 2016 and 2018, and a series of fierce encounters during a full-blooded first-half soon spilled over to a war of words at half-time – on live television.
When asked by FOX Sports if he and Kilkenny were still friends, Mauk replied: “Nah, I guess there’s a reason why they didn’t play him at City… so enough said I think.”
Mauk had opened the scoring for the Reds in the first half but, after Bruno Fornaroli equalised and an own goal from George Timotheou completed the late turnaround, Glory’s midfield general allowed himself to let loose at full-time.
“I said it on the pitch, I was at Melbourne City for a year-and-a-half and I got player of the year in the first year,” Kilkenny replied.
“I think that’s a bit unprofessional of him, but maybe he should write that in his diary instead of putting it out in the public domain.
“Things happen on the pitch that should stay on the pitch. It’s a big boy game and I showed with my football what I meant.”
“I love a good chat on the pitch. I know I can get into his head and obviously I did.”
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Glory had been behind from the 20th minute until the 73rd minute but the away side, who also rallied late in the 3-1 win against Melbourne City last week, were tenacious in search of a route back into the game.
The 35-year-old helped spark the comeback when he collected Diego Castro’s pass and recorded his competition-high fifth assist of the season, squaring the ball for Fornaroli to add the finish.
Kilkenny has been in vintage form so far this campaign and the 14-cap Socceroo believes there is still much more to come.
“I’m living the dream. Its what I wanted to do since I was four or five years old,” Kilkenny said.
“I want to extend it as much as possible. I have to look after myself and hopefully I can play as long as I can. My aim is to 40.
“Whether I can do that is a different matter but hopefully I can give myself the best opportunity.”
Glory fly back to locked-down Western Australia on Saturday and go straight into a 14-day self-isolation period ahead of their next match against Melbourne City on Saturday, 20 February.
“It’s tough, we’ve had a lot of lockdowns,” Kilkenny said.
“But to go back with three points in the back pocket, especially in the last half an hour, it was really pleasing for the lads to do what they did and we look on to the next game and we can’t wait to start again.”
Next fixtures
Matchweek 8
Macarthur FC v Adelaide United
Friday, 12 February 2021
Venue: Campbelltown Stadium
Kick-off: 7.05pm AEDT
Match Centre
Matchweek 9
Perth Glory v Melbourne City
Saturday, 20 February 2021
Venue: HBF Park
Kick-off: 9.20pm AEDT
Match Centre
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