City’s first competitive clash in the South East is fast approaching!
We’re set to take on Wellington Phoenix at Casey Fields on Wednesday night as the boys seek to secure their spot in the final eight of the Australia Cup.
Catch up on all of the key talking points from Patrick Kisnorbo’s pre-match press conference!
Don’t forget that all City Members and kids go free to Wednesday night’s match. Check your emails for all the details on how to redeem your complimentary ticket. Non-members can click here to purchase.
CITY’S FIRST MATCH AT CASEY FIELDS
“I think it’s great for the community to be able to come to watch a game at their back doorstep.
“We encourage everyone to come and watch. It’s great for us and great for our community. We’re very much looking forward to tomorrow.”
ON THOMAS LAM’S SIGNING
“I think we needed to look at a refresh in our squad in some positions.
“Thomas was available, he fits the way we want to play, he fits our style.
“I’ve spoken to him personally and I think it was an easy one to bring in. But also looking at his career, it was sort of an eye opener that we’re able to attract someone of his calibre and we’re glad to have him in our team.
ON LAM’S POTENTIAL POSITION
“It depends. He can cover two positions (defensive midfield or centre back).
“I’m not going to limit him to one or the other. He can play both and we’re very lucky to have that scenario within our team.”
WHAT’S LAM’S PERSONALITY LIKE?
“I spoke to him over a phone call about what it’s like here.
“You’ve got to look at his career and he’s been a captain nearly everywhere he’s gone, so he understands leadership and how to bring a group together, so again, it was an easy one.
WHEN WILL LAM ARRIVE?
“It’s all about the paperwork, visas and stuff like that.
“It’s in the process of happening, whenever it gets done, he’ll be here.
“The quicker the better for us, but we know these things sometimes take a bit of time.”
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HOW HAVE VAN DER VENNE AND TALBOT FIT IN?
“We’ve got Richard who’s an experienced player, and again, fits in within our style and our behaviours. He’s been fantastic among the group.
“Young Callum has fit in to our culture and the way we play fantastically well. He’s bought into everything that we’ve done. It’s great because he’s hungry to play.
“It’s a new environment for him and I think he’s going out of his comfort zone, to be honest with you, in terms of moving away from home. We want those players that want to do well in their career. We’re happy with both of them.”
ON O’NEILL, NABBOUT AND VAN DER VENNE’S RETURNS
“He’s (O’Neill) on track. He’s been more involved in football which is good to see. I think his recovery is going really well when he’ll be expected to be back in full, I don’t know. But by all accounts, he’s making the right progress.
“We still need to manage a few things. But they’ve (van der Venne and Nabbout) trained well during the week, so they’re up for selection.”
ON POTENTIAL NEW SIGNINGS
“I don’t want to bring in players just to make up the numbers. I’ll always add to the group if I think they add to the team.
Hence why we’ve added these players. There is a possibility for someone else to come in, but again, I won’t bring in anybody that will make up numbers. We’ll bring in someone that will add to the squad.”
