The Melbourne Derby has become a distant memory for Warren Joyce and Melbourne City as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
City face Wellington on Saturday afternoon looking to start the season with three wins from three starts and Joyce is wary of the hype surrounding his side after their impressive opening.
Wellington could prove to be a tricky customer for City heading into this one and the Head Coach believes concentration will be the key for his side to continue their consistent performances.
“Last week was great, it’s a derby game that we won but it’s just another game,” Joyce said.
“It’s vitally important that we do the same tomorrow. It’s that type of level of detail for consistency that you want to bring to the football club.
“Whether it be mental, physical or technical, everything has to be flat out. The way you prepare as you come to the training ground in the morning, you have to make it like a match day. You have to engrain habits into the players.
“You want to win every game that you play and as soon as you’ve won it, you prepare for the next one, that’s the only way you can approach football.”
The abundance of talent waiting on the wings has caused a selection dilemma for Joyce and his staff in not only finalising the starting eleven but the full 16-man squad and the City boss believes the healthy competition will continue to make his side better.
“It’s good for everybody to be fit,” he said.
“That’s what you want at clubs, everyone chomping at the bit. We want everyone ready for the game and that’s the kind of culture you want at any sporting club.
“You need everyone flat out every single day and if training is good, it’ll lead into game so that’s what we’re aiming for.
“We’ve got players here who can be in or out of the team and if someone steps up and makes the most of the opportunity, they could be better than the one that started.
“We have to make sure were going into the game with the same commitment, motivation and consistency we’ve shown in the last 3-4 games.”
Joyce confirmed Osama Malik will be in the mix for selection after recovering from his Melbourne Derby knock while Fernando Brandan is “chomping at the bit” to get back into calculations.
With the Club’s ‘Kids go FREE’ offer up for grabs on Saturday, Joyce is looking forward to making a first impression on juniors who will be at the match.
“You want people to come along and bring a friend or the kids for the first time and that’s important that the players make a first impression,” he said.
“Somebody sees you for the first time, you want them to leave with a good impression and you say that to players all the time.
City take on Wellington on Saturday at AAMI Park, kick-off 5.35pm. Click here to get your tickets for the match and make the most of our ‘Kids go FREE’ offer!
