After resting a number of big names before Wednesday’s FFA Cup final against Sydney FC, City manager John van’t Schip has praised his side’s depth after a 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix.
Nick Fitzgerald and Bruno Fornaroli both hit the score sheet for City in their victory over a gallant Wellington Phoenix in yesterday’s twilight game.
The home side dominated the first half however failed to capitalise on a number of golden opportunities. Wellington were unlucky not to come away with a point, after captain Andrew Durante was unable to get his foot to a Hamish Watson cross in the dying stages.
City manager John van’t Schip described the performance as “aggressive” and “impressive”, while he believed the victory was “well-deserved”.
Usual starters Bruce Kamau and marquee-man Tim Cahill both begun as substitutes and played very limited roles, in preparation for Wednesday’s FFA Cup Final against Sydney FC.
Van’t Schip was quick to defend his starting eleven though.
“[Tonight] was a difficult game to approach. We tried to look at putting a very strong team on the pitch and we did.
“[A team] we knew and thought that could win and I think they showed it as well, especially in the first half.”
If we learnt anything from City’s display tonight, it was that they have great depth.
Players such as Nick Fitzgerald and Anthony Caceres both started on the pitch and showed great promise, as Fitzgerald opened the scoring for City in the 44th minute.
Van’t Schip praised the performances of numerous individual players, however, admitted a selection headache looms for Wednesday’s FFA Cup final, “We have to start and look to see what the best combination [is] and we’ll discuss what is the best team to start.
“We know we have a strong bench. Today, (the team) proved it again.”
City’s substitutes all made immediate impacts as they came on, “We can put on Tim, we can put on Calazo, even Kamau,” van’t Schip explained.
“Timmy had an influence when he came on.
“I think (depth) makes the team strong.
“Every player knows sometimes they might miss out. So they have to be ready for every moment that becomes available for them.”
Last night’s victory moves Melbourne City to second on the Hyundai A-League table, but all eyes are now set on the midweek Westfield FFA Cup Final.
A win on Wednesday night against Sydney FC would see van’t Ship and his light blue side bring home the club’s first piece of silverware, a win that “would mean a lot” to the City manager.
“It’s something we’ve been working hard towards and now we’re there.
“We want to win.
“We’re a professional club and it’s about winning prizes and we’ve got an opportunity [to do that].
“Both teams are really desperate to make a point and we want to make a point ourselves.
“It’s going to be a tough and interesting game.
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Melbourne City host Sydney FC in the FFA Cup Final at AAMI Park on Wednesday night with kickoff at 7:30pm.
