Melbourne City FC Head Coach John van’t Schip was resoundingly positive about his side’s progress after the Club’s trip to Alice Springs, despite his side suffering a 1-0 loss against Adelaide United.
A third-minute Sergio Cirio goal separated the sides at Anzac Oval in ‘The Red Centre’; however, Melbourne City FC squandered a host of chances to level the game.
The conditions proved difficult for both sides as pitch played a factor in general play, but van’t Schip believed that in the circumstances, the performance showed his side were on track for the upcoming Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.
“In the end, I think I’m very happy with the performance of the boys,” van’t Schip said.
“I think we played well, we pressed for 90 minutes and showed we are physically very good and we still have seven weeks to go before the season starts.”
van’t Schip said the side must address its finishing issues but felt that with the season under 50 days away, could hone in on any outstanding issues during remainder of the pre-season.
“Sure, we’ll have to work on a few things; the finishing wasn’t the best,” van’t Schip said.
“But the reaction was great, everyone on the pitch was physically and mentally very strong. We didn’t get the result, but I’m taking away a lot of other things that we are very positive so I’m happy with the performance.”
Melbourne City FC will continue its pre-season roadshow in Bendigo next Tuesday before the Club makes an interstate trip to Lismore to face the Central Coast Mariners.
Next Match Details
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 2 September 2014
FC Bendigo vs. Melbourne City FC
Epsom Reserve
UPDATE: The Kick-off time for the FC Bendigo pre-season clash has moved from 6PM to 6:30PM
