Melbourne City coach John van’t Schip refuses to overplay the significance of tomorrow night’s game against Western Sydney. The discussion was raised after being questioned about the calibre of teams City have managed to beat so far being in the bottom half.
City had a fluctuating start to the season with key outs but began to find form when they had a clean bill of health.
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The red and white of Melbourne have only defeated one side in the top six this season, their cross-town rival the Victory.
“We want to show (we’re good) every game, not only just against the top teams every game is a test, and we also know we want to be in the top of the table,” Van’t Schip said on Friday.
“Championships you never win by beating the best teams, you win by winning the most games and getting the most points.
“It’s important in a direct confrontation especially to get a good result, but over the season, it’s important to get as many points as possible and we want to win every game and win as best as possible and we know we have to grow in that process.”
Western Sydney thrashed Melbourne City at AAMI Park back in November, with the Wanderers being undefeated since round four, the City boss conceded the last meeting between the two teams was brought up during the week.
“We always look back at the games we have played, even though it was a few weeks ago, it’s good to have a look back and from there on we’ve grown, and they have grown even more,” he said.
“They have had an unbelievable run, playing good football, I think at the moment they’re a team that’s really big steps with Popovic, credit to him and they are a team that’s everybody’s chasing, for us to show we’re up to it.”
Melbourne City have had an unlucky season with key players missing with injury, tomorrow night they will miss defender Ivan Franjic will miss out due to a cork, however City can welcome back star man Aaron Mooy and Michael Zullo against the Wanderers.
“Aaron is ready for 90 minutes, we took him out last week with precautions, he played the other games with a bit of soreness and that’s gone now,” he said.
“He’s fit to play, for him it’s not a question of managing, he can play 90 minutes so it’s not a problem.
“Zullo is still managing, he’s not a 90 minute player yet.”
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