Melbourne City coach John van’t Schip says he is happy with the momentum City have accumulated over the past weeks, yet is remaining alert to the threat of Brisbane Roar’s red-hot attack.
City have proven to be one of the competition’s entertainers this season, having scored a plethora of goals, though they have conceded nearly as many. In the past two weeks, however, City they have kept clean sheets, defeating Sydney FC 3-0 and subsequently Adelaide 1-0 away from home.
City take on table-topping Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Friday night and the Dutchman says his team is prepared for the challenge.
“Yes I’m happy, the boys showed a very good step in an area we were struggling in. We have a new big test tomorrow, Brisbane known for their attacking way of playing,” van’t Schip said.
“They’ve changed their approach a bit, they’re not as attacking and they’re defending more and breaking as they did against Victory.
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“We have to be prepared for a team that can break quickly and also knows how to play in the half of the opponent.”
Roar striker Jamie Maclaren put on a masterclass against Victory, scoring a hat-trick in their emphatic 5-0 win over the reigning champions. That performance was indicative of the attacker’s consistency this season, unluckily missing out on Socceroos selection for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Tajikistan and Jordan.
Van’t Schip is all too aware of Maclaren’s form and the danger he poses to opposing teams.
“He’s made a huge improvement, he’s playing really well as a striker and got the opportunity to do that,” he said.
“He’s doing well, so credit to him and Brisbane. For us, we have to defend well so he doesn’t come into areas that he can score or be dangerous.”
Friday’s match will mark John Aloisi’s first return to AAMI Park against the club that sacked him at the end of 2013.
Melbourne City have yet to defeat the Roar this season, drawing 1-1 and losing 3-1, both at Suncorp Stadium. Van’t Schip says he is keen to get a win over the title hopefuls ahead of finals.
“I think it’s important, it’s good for any team knowing you can beat any opponent in the league,” he said.
“It would be good to have on the stats we’ve shown we can beat every team in the top six, Brisbane is still one we have to put in that table.
“It’s good we know we can produce that kind of result and effort, but on the day itself there’s too many other things you have to be aware of and start on zero again.”
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