Central Coast Mariners coach Alen Stajcic says he still believes his side is the best in the A-League, despite a 2-0 loss to Melbourne City.
The Mariners sit three points clear atop the league’s ladder and while they were outclassed against City, Stajcic has declared he would rather be in his position than any other.
The Mariners struggled to get into the game for much of the first half, yet Stajcic was impressed with the way his team rebounded in the next 45 minutes, creating multiple looks on goal.
“I thought we had seven or eight good chances there, a good shout for a pen, I was happy with how we got back into the game,” Stajcic said.
“I don’t think anyone’s done that against them in recent months.”
Mark Birighitti saved 7 of the 9 shots he faced from Melbourne City today. His standout performance between the sticks prevented the Mariners suffering a Victory-esque scoreline. #MCYvCCM pic.twitter.com/Wd86DHRUq3
— James Rhys (@JamesRhys90) March 22, 2021
The 2-0 loss had plenty of Central Coast fans disappointed across social media, yet Stajcic was boldly confident in pumping up his team.
“I rank teams according to the ladder, runs on the board are runs on the board,” he said.
“At the moment we’re still the best team in the competition and rightfully so.
“I’m not scared of anyone.”
In comparison, City’s Patrick Kisnorbo was more disappointed despite his side’s 2-0 victory.
“I was disappointed with our second half,” he said.
“It’s not the score… [but we did not make] the right decision at the right time.”
Despite City’s win and their five game winning streak, Kisnorbo agreed the Mariners were still the best team in the competition.
“They’re clearly the benchmark, not us,” he said.
“We’re a team that’s playing some good football, but we’re lower than the Central Coast, I’d rather be where they are.”
Feature image credit: Melbourne City
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