City forward Nick Fitzgerald says the bond in the squad has been the strongest it has ever been as his side prepares for an important month in the context of their season.
Friday’s 3-1 loss to Sydney showed City could more than match it with the league leaders and Fitzgerald had a lot to do with it, keeping his side in the contest with a wonderful volley after 25 minutes.
Despite his efforts in front of goal, Fitzgerald says his side are motivated to turn good performances into results, hoping to string an important run of forming coming into the finals.
“Everyone thinks that we were disappointed but I think you can’t fault the effort and desire for the boys to try and get the result even down to ten men,” Fitzgerald said.
“We didn’t sit back and we tried to go all out and get a result which we didn’t but the positives were there, we were all working hard for each other and that’s the most important thing in this, we are all together and we are all pushing forward.
“I’ve scored some important goals for the club which is pleasing for me but that was definitely up there.
“I think in the moment it sat up perfectly for me, I thought I had to hit it. I was lucky enough to see it go in and I think in terms of the timing, it was crucial to get back into the game. It was disappointing we couldn’t push on and get the result but very happy to get on the scoresheet.
“It wasn’t bad, I don’t get many chances but it was nice to get back on the scoresheet and take that into the next game. It was very positive and hopefully there is a lot more to come.
It looks like there will be a lot more to come for Fitzgerald who has established himself over the past month as one of the in-form players of the competition and the forward is relishing the chance to make that starting position his own over the coming weeks.
“I’ve waited for an opportunity and I knew once I got it, I was going to take it,” he said.
“It’s great to be a part of the squad now and we’ve got some fantastic depth in our squad so that will help us into the finals as well but for me personally to be able to play with the kind of players that I get to every day, that’s a big part of why I’m in the starting line-up at the moment.
“I’m just enjoying my time here, hopefully stay in the starting line-up and if not, will definitely be pushing on to win it this year.
“I haven’t even thought about not being at the club. It’s kind of surreal for me to be at a massive club and I’m just loving my time being here. I’m definitely happy at city and I want to be here for a long time
City take on Fitzgerald’s previous side the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, kick-off 5pm. See the match live on Fox Sports 505.
