Pre-season training has started this week so it’s probably time to revisit where the City squad for the upcoming, 2019-20 season is at.
The Club has been busy since the conclusion of its 2018-19 campaign with the headline appointment of new Head Coach, Erick Mombaerts signalling a new chapter and with it, a new style of play. Mombaerts’ first week in Melbourne saw him meet the players, implement his changes on the pitches CFA Melbourne before meeting a group of passionate fans in the first of many fan forums to come this season. Mombaerts is joined by new Goalkeeper Coach Neil Young and the returning, Patrick Kisnorbo.
Joining Mombaerts through the entrance door at Melbourne City are defenders Scott Galloway and Richard Windbichler. Galloway impressed with a consistent season at Adelaide United last term and will be hoping to continue his development at City. Windbichler has enjoyed spells in his native Austria as well as Denmark and South Korea where he was named in the K-League Team of The Year.
There have also been a few solid additions to the midfield with Socceroo, Josh Brillante signing as well as English winger, Craig Noone who comes with an impressive highlights reel of goals scored in the English Premier League and English Championship. There’s also the pacey and creative Javier Cabrera. Cabrera is an attacking midfielder with experience in the ultra-competitive Spanish, Uruguayan and Mexican leagues.
City welcomes back midfielder, Denis Genreau and goalkeeper, Dean Bouzanis – both having returned from their respective loans in the Netherlands – in addition to re-signing defender, Curtis Good for another two seasons.
Melbourne City FC current 2019-20 season squad:
Mark Birighitti (GK), Dean Bouzanis (GK), Scott Jamieson, Scott Galloway, Harrison Delbridge, Curtis Good, Richard Windbichler, Nathaniel Atkinson, Rostyn Griffiths, Josh Brillante, Denis Genreau, Connor Metcalfe, Lachie Wales, Florin Berenguer, Craig Noone, Javier Cabrera, Jamie Maclaren, Ramy Najjarine, Moudi Najjar, Gianluca Iannucci.
Melbourne City has also confirmed the following pre-season matches with more details for fans to be shared over the coming weeks.
· Oakleigh Cannons vs Melbourne City FC, Tuesday 23 July, Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh – pre-season friendly
· Campbelltown SC vs Melbourne City FC, Wednesday 31 July, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre – FFA Cup
· Bentleigh Greens vs Melbourne City FC, Tuesday 6 August, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Cheltenham – pre-season friendly
