Melbourne City FC Head Coach John van’t Schip said he was pleased with his team’s performance in the opening match of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 season.
van’t Schip’s side emerged with a point after an intriguing 1-1 draw with Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, with a second-half goal from debutant David Villa cancelling out Corey Gamerio’s strike for the home side.
Both sides had opportunities to win the match, but van’t Schip admitted on the balance of play, both sides deserved a point.
“I think if you look over the whole game, for different parts we were the team that maybe had the better chances – and for sure had the better chances in the first half – hitting the cross bar and Mate Dugandzic going one-on-one against the goalkeeper,” van’t Schip said.
“Second half, Sydney had some good periods and hit the cross bar near the end.
“But it’s a good result and we are happy with the performance of the boys.
“We are still in the phase of adapting and gelling but we have to make sure we keep making progress because it is all about getting better.”
Melbourne City FC will return to Melbourne to take on Newcastle Jets this Sunday.
“Next week is another game that we have to make the next step,” van’t Schip.
