VIDMAR: There's a new focus as City sets its sights on tough season ahead

Melbourne City’s Men’s squad has officially returned to the training pitch this week, commencing pre-season preparations ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

After a well-earned break following last season’s historic Melbourne Derby Grand Final triumph, Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar said the focus has already shifted to what lies ahead.

“A little bit of reflection [on last season], you know, some nice memories,” Vidmar said.

“But, you know, the first day we step back in here in pre-season, what happened in the past was great, but also there needs to be a new focus. Ready for a very tough season coming ahead.”

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The squad returned in strong shape, with Vidmar pleased by the attitude and professionalism shown from the outset.

“Very good [on the condition of the players who have returned from off-season]. They’re always the things that you worry about when you come back after some success,” he reflected.

“They come back in pretty good shape. And the attitude so far over the last couple of days of training has been very, very positive. So, yeah, I think that’s good signs for us.”

Continuity remains a key strength for City, with many of the core players from last season’s Championship-winning side back for another campaign.

“Already what I’ve seen in the last couple of days of training, it tells you, you know, the guys who are really glued and connected together and the way we do things here.

“So I think that’s extremely important… it keeps a little bit of continuity amongst the group, which is important.”

Among the familiar faces was new signing Liam Bonetig, the 20-year-old defender who joined from Celtic earlier this month. Vidmar was encouraged by his early impressions of the young Australian international.

“We saw a fair bit of potential actually, and we feel that he hasn’t got close to his ceiling just yet,” Vidmar explained. “A guy that understands the game, very, very familiar with the way we want to play… I think he’s going to be a very good addition.”

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“He’s settling really nicely. He’s vocal. He’s not a shy boy, so he’s fit in real nice at this point,” he added.

“He seems like he’s got a really nice, firm, composed head on his shoulders.”

City will now turn its attention to its first competitive fixture of the new season, a Round of 32 Australia Cup clash against NPL NSW side APIA Leichhardt in just over two weeks’ time.

“They’re doing very well… It’s going to test us. It’s going to be a difficult game,” Vidmar said.

“But, you know, it’s another opportunity, maybe some new faces, some younger faces, having an opportunity also to impress.”