Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick has backed his goalkeeper, Glen Moss, despite letting in five goals in the opening two round of the season.

The New Zealand international has been on the receiving end of some brilliant attacking play from opponents Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar in the past two weeks as the reigning champions have kicked off their title defence with a loss and a draw.

But Merrick has insisted he will remain with Moss in goals but admits he will have to sort out the defensive situation.

"I certainly do not blame him for any of the goals," Merrick said yesterday.

"He hasn't really had much else to do, but I don't believe any of those goals were the fault of the goalkeeper. Glen Moss is an excellent goalkeeper and I have no problem with him.

"There's no doubt our defence needs work as a complete unit," Merrick added.

"We've made mistakes and paid the penalty at the back. We gave the ball away and a penalty and, as a defender, you can't get into those situations.

"We need to tighten up in defence so our good work in midfield is not undone. We gave the ball away cheaply in bad positions and we got punished."