In a season of dizzying highs and rock-bottom lows before what eventuated into a disappointing end at the hands of the eventual champions, the A-League’s newest franchise club Melbourne City can be optimistic going forward.
But in order for the Manchester City-owned club to establish themselves as an Australian powerhouse, some drastic changes need to be made. Outside90 club correspondent Michael Conti takes a look at what areas need improvement for the Melburnians to progress forward.
Break free of the Heart
Many City fans will disagree, but in order for their team to become similar to that of their crosstown rivals in terms of trophies won, it will need to move forward and forget the past. That means a clean out of their back room staff. We have already seen the club’s intentions, having released a number of players in quick succession including Damien Duff, Kew Jaliens and Iain Ramsay just to name a few.
Sadly, it is time for John van’t Schip to go. City Football Group expressed that their Australia-based club would play an attacking brand of football, contrary to what we actually saw on the pitch this season. At times, City looked beautiful on the ball, particularly early in games, before retreating back into their shells as the game progressed, suggesting that players were tiring far too easily as games went on. Add to that the fact that van’t Schip coached Melbourne Heart, his tactics during 2014-15 were often reminiscent of the Heart’s dark days, and it is a recipe for much needed change.
Develop a new culture
The end of the 2013-14 season saw the Heart bought out by CFG before be renamed to City. What this has caused is a split identity for the club, as well as a split between the fans. Some choose to wear red to pay homage to their team’s former identity, while some, have elected to move forward and fly the sky blue.
Only once was the second tier of AAMI Park required for a City home game, the first game of the year, when Spanish hero David Villa made his first appearance for the club. You can bet your bottom dollar that many of those in attendance of City’s first home game were not actually loyal supporters of the team, but fans of the footballing legend.
When compared to Melbourne Victory’s average attendance of 25,388 per game in 2014-15, City’s dwarfed mean of 10,374 for its hosting affairs is far from the mark of what they would have hoped for. This will only become more challenging next season, with the Victory coming off the back of an A-League double.
Their match day programme needs to be more intimidating. City fans want to know that this club means business. At times, even City goals felt somewhat corny due to ‘Get Up Offa That Thing’ being blared over the PA, drowning out the celebrations of the home support, a view expressed by many City fans via online forums. When compared to Victory’s ‘Seven Nation Army’ celebrations, it is child’s play. Change this and decide on home colours that give the fans an identity they want to follow, and the club will develop a strong, winning culture.
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Think long and hard about international marquee signings
City fans (myself included), were left wanting at the end of the season after copping another 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the Vics. The team’s effort could not be questioned, but what COULD be questioned was the commitment of the club’s international signings. Having lost Villa after just four games, along with Duff electing to leave after suffering a season-ending injury, explaining that he simply could not handle playing on the sun-scorched pitches of Australia, City had lost two of its biggest players by around the halfway point of 2014-15.
They need to sign players who want to be there. A great example of this is the club’s recent signing, Frenchman Harry Novillo, an injury replacement for Duff who showed the flare and attacking qualities that CFG want to identify with. Novillo, having publicised his desire to remain with the Melbourne club, is the perfect example of what they should be aiming for. Young, attacking players who want to give their all, and will stop at nothing to get it.
They were not that far off, having made it further than the Heart ever did. City finished their 2014-15 campaign after winning their first final in history, and one win off an unexpected grand final berth.
Their fans, as well as CFG, will be expecting a higher placing in the league next season, and if the club makes changes similar to those mentioned above, we should see the new A-League princes in realistic title contention very soon.
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