It was the return City fans were anticipating for weeks and defender Michael Jakobsen says he’s just happy to be back on the pitch as he and his side prepare for the Finals Series.
Jakobsen’s return came after eight weeks on the sidelines as the former Danish international picked up a calf injury during February’s Melbourne Derby. His drawn-out recovery process had even the man himself frustrated during the two months out but feels getting back out on the pitch is just the beginning for him.
“For my own personal perspective, it was very important to get through 90 mins and get as many minutes as possible,” Jakobsen said.
“I think that the second half for me was a bit easier believe it or not. In the first half I was out of breath but it was all good in the second half.
“That’s just credit to the medical team on the program and rehab I had, it looks like I’ve done enough and I’m really pleased with that.
“It was just nice to be out there. I could be feeling better and there are some things that aren’t 100% correct yet [fitness wise] but the part where I had to do defensive work and organise the backline was pretty good.”
The 1-0 win on Friday night saw City pick up its fourth clean sheet of the season and despite talk surrounding the coincidence aligning with the return of the Dane, Jakobsen lauded the side’s complete defensive performance from the back to the front.
“I don’t think it was just the back four, we had good protection with the three midfielders working hard as well,” he said.
“We had two wingers that were working perfectly in the defence as well and you have Timmy [Cahill] working back and forth and starting everything. All in all, its was a good performance by the whole team.
“These kinds of games where you get a clean sheet and three points at home, it’s something you need to build on because going into the finals, its important. We just need to keep on going on like that and today was a good beginning.
City and Jakobsen now prepare for the final match of the regular season as they take on Perth Glory at nib Stadium, kick-off 5pm AEST.
