Melbourne City FC fell to a 2-1 defeat against an inspired Wellington Phoenix outfit on Friday evening. We take a look at the key Quotes and Notes to come out of the Round 21 clash at Westpac Stadium.
Quotes
City Head Coach John van’t Schip
Thoughts on City’s slow start: “I’m disappointed with the start of the game. We came back into the game but we were already 2-0 down. We kept pressure on Wellington, we had a lot of corners and free-kicks and what I thought was a penalty, but in the end it wasn’t enough. After a poor start like that you have to fight back into a game and you know it’s always going to be difficult.”
On the blustery conditions in Wellington: “(We) were not prepared and ready for that first part. Wellington dealt with the wind in a better way, reacted quicker and we were a step behind that. By the time we woke up, we were 2-0 behind.”
On challenging for silverware this season: “If we want to become that team, we’re still not there. We have to improve and get better and make sure that we can be there at the end, but this is of course not what we wanted.”
On the first-half penalty claim: “For me, it looked clear-cut. (Fornaroli’s) feet got kicked away and (Durante) didn’t get any contact with the ball, or if he did, he first made contact with Bruno. (The ref) was clearly on top of it, but didn’t give it.”
Wellington Head Coach Ernie Merrick
Thoughts on the performance: “I was just really impressed today with the structure. The backline was rock solid. Manny Muscat had one of the best games he’s had in a long time. We had eleven players up for it and the two goals we scored were good goals. All in all, it was a tough game with our backs to the wall and everyone did a really good job.”
On man-marking Bruno Fornaroli and Aaron Mooy: “We knew their most dangerous player was (Bruno) Fornaroli, so we had Dylan (Fox) marking him and we stuck Alex Rodriguez on (Aaron) Mooy. They both did a great job.”
On Wellington’s added motivation: “They were buoyed by that tremendous win against the Wanderers and really disappointed with the last game against Newcastle. Playing in front of their home crowd, they really wanted to impress and show they could win under any circumstances. That was for Dura and for the crowd. We’ve now beaten every side in the top five, they knew they could do it and they did it.”
Notes
- Despite Friday’s result, John van’t Schip’s side remain four points clear of seventh-placed Perth Glory ahead of three crucial fixtures against Sydney FC, Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar.
- After finding the back of the net from another set-piece against Wellington, Aaron Mooy has been directly involved in 27 of the Club’s 51 goals this season (10 goals and 17 assists) – more than any other Hyundai A-League player.
- City goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis made his first appearance for the Club after coming on as a half-time substitute for Thomas Sorensen.
- It was a day of celebration for Wellington skipper Andrew Durante, who celebrated his 200th Hyundai A-League appearance for the Phoenix with a memorable win at Westpac Stadium.
