As Melbourne City FC prepares for the Westfield FFA Cup, Socceroo and new signing Ivan Franjic says his new side is building towards a strong run in both the cup and the Hyundai A-League.
Franjic has only recently begun pre-season training with Melbourne City, and the full-back told Omnisport on Wednesday that he does not expect to play for his new club for “a couple of weeks”.
With the defender joining the likes of fellow Socceroo Michael Zullo, Australia youth international Corey Gameiro and former EPL defender Aaron Hughes in signing for City, Franjic is convinced City can go one better in 2015/16.
“Yeah, obviously we’re looking strong, there’s a couple more foreigners to come in but yeah, we’ll be a good chance to win it [the A-League championship] and we’re prepared to go all the way this year,”
Franjic has not played since Australia’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying win away to Kyrgyzstan on June 16.
But having been given some extra time off following that international duty, the three-time A-League champion with Brisbane Roar does not expect to play in City’s FFA Cup round of 32 tie away to Edgeworth on August 4.
“It’ll be the coaches’ decision. I’ll be ready but it’ll be up to them,” he said.
Back living in his home town of Melbourne for the first time in six years, Franjic attended Hume City’s 4-3 extra-time victory over Brisbane Strikers in the FFA Cup – his brother Joey plays for the victors, although he was not in action on Wednesday.
Franjic was clearly impressed by the entertainment on offer at ABD Stadium.
“I don’t think I’ll be playing the first game but it’s an exciting tournament,” he said.
“I watched it last year from Russia, so I can’t wait and hopefully the boys win next week – which I believe they will – and see who we get in the next draw; hopefully Hume.”
