Melbourne City FC Head Coach John van’t Schip says Saturday’s clash against Manchester City is just as important for his side as it is for their sister Club.
The match will be both sides’ first public pre-season match with Manchester City FC playing Adelaide United behind closed doors and Melbourne City playing a range of intra-club matches during their second week of training.
But van’t Schip is looking forward to the opportunity to face City in the historic first match between CFG Clubs, saying it will be good to see how his players are tracking at the early stages of pre-season.
“It’s very important for everybody, it’s the first friendly game and everyone is looking forward to it,” van’t Schip said.
“(We) want to really go out there and have a competitive game and I can’t imagine a better opponent to play against,
“It’s an opportunity for everyone to see what level (Manchester City) are at and for us as a team, it’s a good point to see what’s needed ahead of the FFA Cup.”
The sides have met previously during passing encounters around the world but this will be the first time they meet face to face on the pitch and the Dutchman insists that this moment won’t dawn on his chargers.
“It’s an historic moment for both clubs,” van’t Schip said.
“For us especially playing in Australia against our sister club, it’ll be a great moment for our players to step on the pitch and play against them,
“We met them before their trip to America last year and this winter we saw them in Abu Dhabi so this is going to be the third occasion that we’re meeting as team but this will be the first on the pitch,
“I think its going to be a very interesting game and good for both teams to be playing.”
Melbourne City FC face Manchester City FC this Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, kick-off 5pm. Secure your place at the match through Ticketek.
