City Views – Week 20
REPLACEMENTS SAVING SINKING SCHIP
City head coach John Van’t Schip smartly signed yet another temporary player this week in the form of Frenchman Harry Novillo, an injury replacement for Irishman Damien Duff. Whilst many question the thinking of JVS continuing to bring in ‘quick fixes’ into the squad we must understand the position he is coming from too. If City fails to perform adequately in their first season and achieve a top six finish JVS could be finding himself heading back to Europe without employment.
JVS cannot take the risk of promoting youth ahead of these injury replacement players because his role in the club is dependent on the success of the club. Players such as Kew Jaliens and Novillo have been backed by those in charge to rescue the disappointing season thus far and save face for the City Football Group. Other teams in the league can risk taking the punt on possible youth prospects but the richest men in football may not be so forgiving.
YOUTH CHAMPIONS
Without much of a splash Melbourne City won their first piece of silverware over the weekend, the National Youth League. Whilst the title was only won on goals scored (points and goal differences were level with Brisbane Roar) I’m sure coach Joe Palatsides’ and his boys were still impressed with the result. Senior listed players Jonathan Germano and Andrew Redmayne were involved in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle.
Let’s hope the Champions are presented to the crowd before the next home game against Newcastle on the 14th March.
SINGAPORE SENSATION
You will be easily forgiven if you didn’t know who Safuwan Baharudin was a month ago when City drafted the Singapore International into their squad. Fast forward just three games into his A-League career and we now know the very popular 23-year-old could just be the tonic for City supporters. On Friday night Baharudin clearly was the standout player for City and even got himself on the scoresheet. Whilst normally more at home in the centre of defence the youngster showed his liking for a stint out wide pushing up in the midfield and even getting into attacking positions.
Baharudin showed he is more than capable of playing at A-League level and put his best foot forward to gain an extension on his short term contract. Whilst there is still no requirement for clubs to have an AFC player in their squad it could build a strong bond between Singapore and Melbourne City football. Interesting where Baharudin starts on the pitch this weekend and what the future holds for this impressive player.
WILLO FOUND WANTING
Stalwart David Williams finally found some form on Friday night after coming on at the start of the second half. Williams provided an extra avenue towards goal and was one of the reasons behind City’s turnaround in the second half. One noticeable concern was Williams was standing alone at times without teammates wanting to give him the ball. This could either be City trying to play down the one side or maybe his City teammates just don’t have faith in his abilities just yet. Regardless of the answer Willo remains an integral part of the squad and will play an important role in City are to make the finals.
FIRST WIN AS GOSFORD AWAITS
In previous seasons an away trip to Gosford would be met with fear and trepidation. The mighty Central Coast has fallen away dramatically this season and dare I say it is more a shambles than City at this moment in time. Expect to see City attack this game for the 90 minutes and come home with their first ever win at Gosford. Unlike previous seasons don’t expect pretty football from the Mariners, but you could encounter the occasional #MOSSOUT banner.
Results in March (see below) will determine where City finish up in 2014/15.
THE RACE FOR SIXTH
| Played | Goal Difference | Points | |
| Melbourne City | 18 | -4 | 24 |
| Brisbane Roar | 17 | -1 | 22 |
CITY LEADERS
| Goals | Aaron Mooy 4 |
| Cautions | Jacob Melling 7 |
| Games | Patrick Kisnorbo 18 |
| Clean Sheets | Tando Velaphi 4 |
REMAINING GAMES
| Date | Opponent | Where |
| March 8th | Central Coast Mariners | AWAY |
| March 11th | Western Sydney Wanderers | AWAY |
| March 14th | Newcastle Jets | HOME |
| March 20th | Sydney FC | AWAY |
| March 28th | Brisbane Roar | HOME |
| April 3rd | Western Sydney Wanderers | AWAY |
| April 12th | Wellington Phoenix | HOME |
| April 19th | Perth Glory | AWAY |
| April 25th | Adelaide United | AWAY |
