Defender Scott Jamieson believes that Melbourne City’s upcoming pre-season tour of India will be vital in helping the squad’s new faces and emerging youngsters acclimatise to the way of life at the club.
Speaking ahead of the Club’s first visit to India, Jamieson believes the change of environment will benefit the team’s pre-season preparations and help accelerate the squad’s gelling process.
“I think for players the pre-season is such a long one that you don’t really want to be in the same environment for so long,” Jamieson said.
“[We’re] going to India for a fantastic tournament, one where we get to experience a different culture, different style of football, and also spread our brand, Melbourne City but also the City Football brand over there [which] is something we’re really appreciative of.”
“For the new players coming in it’s also a case of them being able to integrate [Into the team] pretty quickly. Being away from home is always a case of getting to know people a lot quicker than usual so we’re all really excited.
Warren Joyce’s side will depart for the sub-continent on Thursday to commence the two-match tour against Indian side Kerala Blasters on July 24 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
City will then square off against Spanish La Liga outfit Girona FC in Kochi on July 27, before returning home to continue preparations ahead of August’s FFA Cup Round of 32 clash against Brisbane Roar.
With a return to competitive action only weeks away, Jamieson has the season’s first piece of silverware firmly in his sights.
“We want to win [the FFA Cup],” Jamieson said.
“We want to make our intentions clear. We want to win it. It’s a trophy, and any trophy on offer we want to win.
“We’re aware of the Brisbane Roar, they’ve made some very good signings and they’ve been back in preseason for a long time.
“But we’re working really hard and there’s no excuses or anything we have. We’re going over to Brisbane to win the game and advance to the next round.”
