Wednesday night’s Westfield FFA Cup Final win is the start for a lot more according to Melbourne City Head Coach John van’t Schip as his side lifted its first piece on silverware at AAMI Park.
The 1-0 win over Sydney FC was a landmark moment for the Club after Tim Cahill’s goal in the 53rd minute sealed the result, and the Dutchman felt his side are destined for a lot more for not only this season, but well beyond.
“I think it’s very important. Winning prizes gives you confidence and shows you are on the right path of the things you’re doing and working on,” van’t Schip said.
“Players that are coming in, rotations that we are making; everyone is part of it. Winning the Final helps everything and that’s why it’s so important.
“Everybody in the Club was looking forward to it – from the administration, to people on the pitch, and all the staff around the football team. It’s great to be here in this moment.
“I’m happy of course. It’s the first Men’s trophy in the history of the Club. To get that off done is of course important, to win your first trophy. It’s a start hopefully for a lot more.”
It was a deteremined team performance as the top two teams in the A-League went head to head in a heated contest. With two contrasting football philosophies showcased on the night, it was City who walked away with the deserved result and van’t Schip was proud of how his side went about it.
“We had some good moments and the bigger chances in general were our chances,” he said.
“It’s important for the players. We’re doing things and getting a reward. We want to play a certain way of football.
“We kept it to nil, a clean sheet, that’s very important. The boys were focused and were fighting to get the result. Players really wanted to win this final and that was all about it.
“It was a battle and a fight. Credit to Sydney, they showed why they are on top of the table and they made it very difficult for us.”
For van’t Schip, the win means a little extra for him after watching the Club develop from the start and has dedicated the win to the fans who have been there through thick and think.
“It’s a reward for the fans,” he said.
“They’ve been waiting a long time for this as well and I’m very happy to see after the game the way that they celebrate together with the players, so many happy faces that have been waiting years for something like this.
“It helps everyone. For the fans that can now say we’ve won a prize. For the players they know from here on we want more. We have a big game on Saturday [against Brisbane] and it’s not going to be easy but we have to prepare ourselves for that.”
City now prepare for Saturday’s clash at AAMI Park as they take on Brisbane Roar, kick-off 7.50pm. Click here to secure tickets to the match or sign up for our 5 Match Membership below.
