City Insider - City v Wellington - Friday 9 November

CITY INSIDER

ROUND 4

v WELLINGTON PHOENIX

FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER, 7.50PM

MELBOURNE CITY v WELLINGTON PHOENIX

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE FIRSTLY, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU - THE CITY FANS - FOR COMING OUT IN STRONG NUMBERS TO SUPPORT THE TEAM IN OUR HOME OPENER LAST FRIDAY NIGHT.

Needless to say, as a playing group, we were disappointed with our performance against the reigning premiers. Sydney FC are undoubtedly a strong team but we lacked the consistency in performance that is needed to succeed at this level, making it too easy for them over the course of the match.

We’ve had a really strong pre-season and we know our level is far above that of Friday night. It’s our responsibility to prove we’re better that and get back on the right course for the season.

Moreover, we want to repay the support you, the City faithful, have shown already this season, starting with a win tonight against Wellington.

We’ve put a lot of hard work in on the training ground during the week to make sure we bounce back strongly and perform well in front of our loyal fans. We are in this together, battling for each other and determined to return to winning ways.

With both teams sitting on four points apiece after three rounds, tonight will be a good test and a great opportunity for us to move ahead of our rivals on the ladder.

Under their new Head Coach, Mark Rudan, the ‘Nix have shown plenty of positive signs in their first three games, so we’ll have to be at the top of our game to earn the three points.

We can’t wait to get back out there in front of our home fans and put things right.

Thank you again for your support. I hope you enjoy the match!

Scott Jamieson Melbourne City FC captain

GAME AHEAD OF THE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

OFFICIAL PARTNER

MELBOURNE CITY v WELLINGTON PHOENIX

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

NEW-LOOK NIX OUT TO PROVE A POINT MELBOURNE CITY FC WILL BE DETERMINED TO RETURN TO THE WINNER’S LIST WHEN THEY HOST WELLINGTON PHOENIX AT AAMI PARK ON FRIDAY NIGHT. Following a positive start to their 2018/19 Hyundai A-League campaign, City suffered their first defeat in Round 3, going down 3-0 to reigning premiers Sydney FC. Head Coach Warren Joyce and his men will be disappointed with the result, as the team maintained possession but was unable to penetrate with conviction in the attacking third. The Sky Blues opened the scoring in the first-half following a neat backheel from Paulo Retre, before Englishman Adam Le Fondre sealed the win with a secondhalf brace.

Despite maintaining 59.7% of possession, City could only muster two shots on target. Furthermore, the home side had nine shots on goal compared to Sydney’s seven, but seven of those attempts were from outside the penalty area compared to Sydney’s one, highlighting the opposition’s ability to generate more meaningful shots on goal.

In spite of the result, City will be pleased that both Scott Jamieson and Dario Vidosic returned to the starting XI for the first time this season following interrupted starts to their respective campaigns. Both players played important roles and will be better for the run when they host Wellington in Round 4.

Joyce’s men may have had a disappointing night at the office last week, but their performances in Round 1 and 2 suggest that they are more than capable of bouncing back against the 'Nix. The key indicators suggest that City’s front third is a whisker away from hitting their straps, and they will be determined to do so in their second home game of the season.

Much-like City, Wellington have opened the season with one win, one

ONE TO WATCH

draw and one loss, leaving them level on four points with their Melbourne counterparts.

Under new Head Coach, Mark Rudan, the Phoenix opened their 2018/19 season account with a 2-1 win over last season’s grand finalists Newcastle Jets, before drawing 0-0 with Brisbane Roar and then suffering a 3-0 loss at the hands of Western Sydney Wanderers at Westpac Stadium last weekend.

Alexander Baumjohann opened the scoring in the 11th minute, before Oriol Riera and Jordan O’Doherty sealed the three points for the visitors with second-half strikes.

With both teams suffering defeat in their respective Round 3 fixtures, tonight’s clash is set to be a cracker as both teams look to bounce back.

LAST A-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

ROY KRISHNA Since his debut season in the Hyundai A-League with Wellington Phoenix back in 2014, Fijian international Roy Krishna has become one of the competition’s most well-respected attackers.

The 31-year-old has proven time and time again that he can produce something out of nothing.

Not only does he pop up and score when the ‘Nix need him most, but he also has the ability to create chances for his teammates. He is a unique attacker with great speed and agility, making him one of the most difficult opponents to match up against.

Krishna has been twice named Wellington Phoenix Player of the Year and is a club golden boot winner, highlighting his potency in the attacking third and his consistency as a footballer.

With one goal already to his name this season, City will be looking to shut the forward down.

2

SHOTS ON TARGET

10

0

WESTERN SYDNEY

3

A-League 2018/19 - Round 3 Saturday 3 November, 2018 Westpac Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - WELLINGTON PHOENIX A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

WELLINGTON

GOALS AGAINST

4

WELLINGTON

2

MELBOURNE CITY

1

A-League 2017/18 - Round 27 Saturday 14 April, 2018 QBE Stadium

MELBOURNE CITY v WELLINGTON PHOENIX

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

W-LEAGUE KICK-START TITLE DEFENCE

MELBOURNE CITY FC BOUNCED BACK FROM THEIR ROUND 1 DEFEAT IN CANBERRA, WITH A COMPREHENSIVE 3-1 WIN OVER 2017/18 GRAND FINALISTS SYDNEY FC. The Grand Final re-match didn’t disappoint, with Rado Vidosic’s side producing a blistering 90-minute performance against their fierce rivals.

Ante Juric’s side entered the match full of confidence following a comprehensive 3-0 win over cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 1, but were faced with a much sterner test as City produced a magnificent team performance.

American import Jasmyne Spencer was the star of the show, registering an impressive hattrick on home debut. The 28-year-old opened the scoring in the 13th minute following a brilliant solo run, before Young Matildas international Amy Sayer equalised before half-time.

City sealed the victory with a complete performance in the second period as Spencer sealed her hattrick with a second-half brace.

Ahead of the match, City’s squad was bolstered by two key inclusions in Matildas international Elise Kellond-Knight and Japanese star Yukari Kinga. Both played a crucial role in the victory with their experience and composure in the middle of the park.

City’s victory over Sydney FC sets up a mouth-watering Melbourne Derby against city rivals Melbourne Victory at

AAMI Park next Friday, 16 November, kick-off 7:30pm.

The stand-alone fixture is set to be a cracker as both teams are coming off impressive performances and will be battling it out for the cities bragging rights.

Following their 0-0 draw with Adelaide United in Round 1, Melbourne Victory bounced back with a 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets at Lakeside Stadium in Round 2.

Victory attacker Melina Ayres opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes with an early contender for goal of the year, before Natasha Dowie doubled the hosts lead four minutes later. Cortnee Vine responded immediately with a strike in the 12th minute, but it proved to be merely a consolation goal for the visitors.

If history is anything to go by, next week’s W-League Melbourne Derby is set to be a game that is decided by a matter of inches or a moment of brilliance. There are several moments that spring to mind, from Rebekah Stott’s late winner at AAMI Park to Ayres’ strike at Epping Stadium.

It’s a standout fixture in the 2018/19 Westfield W-League calendar and match that won’t disappoint. With our ALeague side on international break, make sure you get down to AAMI Park and support the girls as they face our fierce rivals.

KEY STATS - MELBOURNE CITY W-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

2

GOALS SCORED

3

SHOTS ON TARGET

7

GOALS AGAINST

3

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY v WELLINGTON PHOENIX

RITCHIE'S MESSAGE IT WAS A SIMPLE MESSAGE THAT TOUCHED THOSE THAT MEANT SO MUCH TO THE LEICESTER CITY COMMUNITY, 'THANK YOU VICHAI - 'THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WITH YOUR FAMILY - RIP BOSS' If you watched last week’s game you would have noticed Ritchie De Laet’s tribute to deceased Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha during the team’s warm-up.

Srivaddhanaprabha was one of five people tragically killed in a helicopter crash outside King Power Stadium following Leicester City’s 1-1 draw with West Ham. De Laet, who played 129 games with the Foxes including 15 appearances during their title-winning season in 2015/16, spoke to the Herald Sun’s David Davutovic about the incredible influence that the Thai owner had on the club. “it wasn’t any individual player, it was a collective team spirit.

The things we did off the pitch together helped create that atmosphere which is what eventually probably got us the title,” De Laet said. “He just wanted to see a smile on your face. All the players had (relationships with him). He would speak with us, eat with us, ask how the family was. He took us for meals in London when we played there. “(To fans) he gave out free scarfs, free pies, a free pint with a pie, them real horrible clappers that made the horrible sound – but it created an atmosphere in the stadium. That was all him, he didn’t have to do it. Those little things made the difference.

“We all got given a car (BMW i8) because no one thought we would win the league. It wasn’t written in any bonus contract because we only just stayed in it the year before.

“It’s tragic. Probably couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.” De Laet opened up on the legacy that Srivaddhanaprabha would leave through his generosity and the culture that he helped create at the club.

“What he’s done for not just the football club but the city as a whole is truly remarkable and something that can never be forgotten,” he said. "He made many donations to charities, hospitals, school and universities. He was just a great man.

“We still have a little WhatsApp ground and we still text each other even though nearly 60 per cent of the players I played with are no longer there, we still keep in touch – that goes to show the team spirit we had in those years keeps living on.”

Much-like the bond that was created during Leicester City’s title winning season, De Laet will be hoping to create something similar at his new home in Melbourne.

On-loan from Aston Villa, the Belgium international has wasted no time making a name for himself in the Hyundai A-League. Alongside his new teammates, the 29-year-old is striving towards winning an A-League championship to add to his trophy cabinet.

Since making his professional debut for Royal Antwerp in 2006, De Laet has developed a wealth of experience playing at a range of clubs, including Manchester United, Portsmouth, Norwich City and Middlesbrough.

He might only be three league games into his loan-spell at City, but the former premier league winner has already demonstrated what he is capable of on the field. Not only did he find the back of the net in the Melbourne Derby, but his speed and exquisite skill set has quickly become a trademark of City attacks this season.

KEY STATS - RITCHIE DE LAET A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

3

KEY PASSES

1

PASS ACCURACY

75%

GOALS

1

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2018/19

A-LEAGUE FIXTURE Round 1 Melbourne Victory 1 Melbourne City 2

Round 2 CC Mariners 1 Melbourne City 1

Round 3 Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3

Round 4 Fri 9 Nov, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 5 Sat 24 Nov, 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium

Round 6 Sun 2 Dec, 7.00pm AAMI Park

Round 7 Sat 8 Dec, 10.00pm nib Stadium

Round 8 Sun 16 Dec, 7.00pm Coopers Stadium

Round 9 Sat 22 Dec, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 10 Tue 1 Jan, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 11 Sun 6 Jan, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 12 Fri 11 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 13 Wed 16 Jan, 7.50pm Central Coast Stad.

Round 14 Sat 19 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 15 Tue 22 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 16 Sat 26 Jan, 5.35pm Westpac Stadium

Round 17 Sun 3 Feb, 5.00pm Jubilee Oval

Round 18 Sat 9 Feb, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 19 Fri 15 Feb, 7.50pm McDonald Jones

Round 20 Sat 23 Feb, 7.50pm Marvel Stadium

Round 21 Sun 3 Mar, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 22 Sat 16 Mar, 7.50pm SCG

Round 23 Sat 30 Mar, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 24 Friday 5 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 25 Sat 13 Apr, 5.35pm AAMI Park

Round 26 Sun 21 Apr, 5.00pm Westpac Stadium

Round 27 Fri 26 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

All times are AEST. Fixtures subject to change.

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY v WELLINGTON PHOENIX

CITY KICK-OFF Y-LEAGUE SEASON MELBOURNE CITY'S YOUTH SIDE WILL BEGIN THEIR 2018/19 Y-LEAGUE CAMPAIGN ON SATURDAY 17 NOVEMBER AS THEY LOOK TO DEFEND THEIR CONFERENCE A TITLE. Melbourne City’s NPL Seniors concluded their season with a 1-0 win over Langwarrin Soccer Club at La Trobe University on Saturday 8 September.

City headed into the match under difficult circumstances, with a number of players missing due to Young Socceroos duty and with eight of the available players having trained with the ALeague side only hours before kick-off. But despite this, the boys in City blue were able to overturn a 3-1 defeat in their previous fixture, to defeat the team from the south-east in their final fixture of the NPL2 Eastern Conference.

Following an open first-half where both teams had their fair share of chances, City opened the scoring through Sam Morrison on the hour mark. Seb Kis swung in a fierce dead ball, which was met by Morrison whose towering header left the goalkeeper with no chance.

City shot-stopper Daniel Smith proved to be the hero for the home side, saving a deflected strike in the 87th minute to secure the three points.

City concluded their National Premier League (NPL) season in sixth position with 10 wins, four draws and 14 losses – scoring 60 goals and conceding 59. The team’s attention will now turn to the 2018/19 Foxtel Y-League season which commences on Saturday 17 November, against Brisbane Roar at Logan Football Complex. City’s first home match will come in Round 3, when they host Melbourne Victory at CB Smith Reserve on Saturday 1 December.

Last season’s Grand Finalists will be looking to go one better this season under Head Coach Joe Palatsides.

2018/19 Y-LEAGUE FIXTURES Round 2 Sat 17 Nov, 4.00pm Logan Complex

Round 3 Sat 24 Nov, 1.30pm Dorreien Gardens

Round 4 Sat 1 Dec, 4.30pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 6 Sat 15 Dec, 3.30pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 7 Sun 23 Dec, 4.00pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 8 Fri 4 Jan, 4.00pm Epping Stadium

Round 9 Sun 20 Jan 4.00pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 10 Fri 25 Jan, 4.30pm Marsden Complex

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v WELLINGTON PHOENIX

CITY INSIDER FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY FC

WELLINGTON PHOENIX

HEAD COACH: WARREN JOYCE

HEAD COACH: MARK RUDAN

1 18 42

MARK BIRIGHITTI EUGENE GALEKOVIC JAMES DELIANOV

1 30

FILIP KURTO OLIVER SAIL

2 3 4 5 13 22 25 36

RITCHIE DE LAET SCOTT JAMIESON HARRISON DELBRIDGE BART SCHENKEVELD NATHANIEL ATKINSON CURTIS GOOD IACOPO LA ROCCA DYLAN PIERIAS

3 5 6 16 19 22 27

REUBEN WAY RYAN LOWRY DYLAN FOX LOUIS FENTON TOM DOYLE MICHAEL DURANTE STEVEN TAYLOR

6 7 8 10 15 21 26 34 38 39

OSAMA MALIK ROSTYN GRIFFITHS RILEY MCGREE DARIO VIDOSIC KEARYN BACCUS RAMY NAJJARINE LUKE BRATTAN CONNOR METCALFE JOSH CAVALLO ANTHONY LESIOTIS

4 8 13 14 15 17 18 23

MANDI MITCH NICHOLS LIBERATO CACACE ALEX RUFER MICHAEL KOPCZYNSKI CALLAN ELLIOT SARPREET SINGH MAX BURGESS

9 10 21

NATHAN BURNS DAVID WILLIAMS ROY KRISHNA

11 19 23 27 30 37

MICHAEL O'HALLORAN LACHLAN WALES BRUNO FORNAROLI FLORIN BERENGUER MOUDI NAJJAR GIANLUCA IANNUCCI

ROUND 5 SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER KICK-OFF 7.50PM SUNCORP STADIUM

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

ROUND 6 SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER KICK-OFF 7.00PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 7 SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER KICK-OFF 10.00PM NIB STADIUM

@MELBOURNECITY