Michael Matricciani says he’s proud of a trio of his players selected for the Matildas, as he eagerly awaits a difficult fixture against Central Coast at home.
City host the Mariners in a battle between two unbeaten sides at ctrl:cyber Pitch this Saturday afternoon.
The fixture is part of a bumper day at home, with the City Fan Festival presented by Federation University kicking off at 1:30pm, ahead of City v Central Coast at 4:00pm.
Read the manager’s pre-match thoughts…
TRIO OF CITY STARS SELECTED FOR MATILDAS
“Very proud, I think individual success come from team success. We’re in a very good environment here, we all understand the benefits that we have from being part of Melbourne City and I think the three individuals that got their reward is justified.
“They’ve been working extremely hard and I wish them all the best.”
RELISHING THE CHALLENGE
“Coming into a Premiership winning side is normally not the norm, but for me, it’s been seamless. First of all, from day one with the management, with Michael Petrillo and Pedj [Radinovic], they have welcomed me with open arms and supported me from day dot.
“The senior players especially, players like Stotty [Rebekah Stott] and Bubs [Melissa Barbieri] have been great for me to be able to bounce ideas and speak about the culture within the group and where they can see where there can be some improvement. My staff have been outstanding from day dot, there’s a lot of good staff here who have supported the group over the years and for me to come in, it’s been excellent to work with them.
“So far so good… but I know that we have a lot of levels to keep improving on.”
FOCUSED ON THE MARINERS
“I’ve been very impressed, I’ve watched both games live and then I’ve rewatched them in more of an analytical way… tactically they have different ways to set up and hurt the opposition.
“I think we’re well prepared, we know their strengths, they’re a very well organised side, they’re very good at transition, but they can definitely high press as well so whatever they throw at us, we’ll be prepared.”
An action-packed City Fan Festival, presented by Federation University, is coming your way at the City Football Academy Melbourne – ctrl:cyber Campus at Casey Fields on Saturday 16 November. Find out more and don’t miss it!
