Melbourne City FC Captain, Jamie Maclaren, has vowed to do everything he can to turn things around as City look to return to winning ways when they host Adelaide United in Thursday night’s doubleheader.
With five wins, three draws and five losses, it’s been an inconsistent start to the season for City’s A-League Men’s team, but the skipper is determined to turn things around heading into a good run of home games.
“It has been a difficult period, I remember a couple of years ago we had the same thing, we lost three or four on the bounce and people were calling for PK to get sacked already, and then we turned it around,” Maclaren explained.
“At the same time, what’s been difficult to understand is that it’s a whole new squad. The standards that we set for all those years kind of went out the window a bit and we sort of had to build from the ground up again, and Viddy’s [Aurelio Vidmar] done a fantastic job to try and settle that ship.
“We just need to get a win because the levels are so close at the moment… the spot to third is only three points, and that’s something that still gives us hope because we’ve dropped some serious points which we’re not happy about,” Maclaren added.
“We’ve got a lot of home games coming up, in March and April, and that’s more towards the back end and the business end of the season. We’re looking forward to turning things around and we need our fans… I know they’re going to stick by us, that’s for sure.”
Sitting on 149 appearances in all competitions in City colours, Maclaren reflected on what 150 in red, white and blue would mean to him.
“150 is obviously a big milestone for any player, to do it at one Club is pretty special, to do it in my hometown is even greater,” Maclaren said.
“I don’t ask to be a legend [of this Club], but all you can do it give your best. I’ve got over 100 goals for this Club and nothing makes me prouder to know that I’ve done that and we’ll look to build on that tally for games and goals combined.”
Determined to return to the winner’s list, City’s captain knows it won’t be easy, as his men host a fierce rival who are also looking to climb the table.
“They’re a great side, very dynamic, they defend really well, and they’re well drilled,” Maclaren explained. “Joe [Gauci] is away but James [Delianov] has come in and done exceptionally well so we know we’re up against a very hungry team.”
“Both teams want to win and we will be looking to do that, but it won’t be easy, we need our fans to get behind us, it’s a doubleheader and we look forward to going out tomorrow night and trying to get those three points and maybe sit third.”
