City boss Warren Joyce will see his side’s resolve after a loss this Sunday as they look to bounce back against Western Sydney.
The Englishman is expecting his side to get back on track against the Wanderers, with the first four matches of the season yielding maximum points.
Joyce know these results come with hard work and the Head Coach is focused on getting things right in his camp instead of what’s unfolding on the other side of the pitch.
“Our main concern is ourselves this week,” Joyce said.
“We didn’t get the three points last week so we’re more concerned with ourselves coming into this week rather than what’s happening with the other teams.
“I don’t think the priority changes all the way through. Its been the same so far and you want people to know the jobs and make the opposition predictable in the things they want to do.
“I want them to work hard, put their bodies on the line for the side and when we have the ball, to be creative, to be bright, to have picture in our mind before we receive the ball and know the difference between build up and scoring goals.”
“The aim is consistent but we have to build towards getting right on the weekend.”
Despite the loss of Tim Cahill to the Socceroos, Joyce sees the return of regular starter Osama Malik and the defensive-minded midfielder looks likely to play a role on the weekend.
“I think Osama has been really good from the first day I walked into the Club,” he said.
“I’ve been impressed by him as a man and as a player and I thought it was harsh the decision to lose him but that’s gone now and it’s good to have him back available for selection this weekend.
“You need a competitive environment, it’s got to be like that every day. You want the sessions to be hard so when the games come around, it’s easy.
“You want everyone fighting for a place in the right way, competing against one another and raising the bar and level of training. The vast majority of the time this season, that’s what we have had.”
This weekend’s clash has added significance during the league-wide Remembrance Round and the Head Coach said it was important to recognise our service men and women.
“I see a lot of similarities between [football and] the different forces and the fact that it’s a way of life for these people and not a job, the way they conduct themselves and train to prepare to go into battle.
“We want to put on a show in remembrance for all the unfortunate people and families who have lost their lives as well.”
