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Murfy1

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  1. Pre-derby interview with Scott Jamieson: https://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/news/scott-jamieson-a-positive-response-melbourne-derby Pre-derby interview with Dario Vidosic: https://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/news/dario-vidosic-his-first-melbourne-derby Bruno Fornaroli and Daniel Arzani "Macca's Chat to a Champion":
  2. Stoke City favourite sets off on month-long bike ride across Australia with $150k charity mission By Peter Smith 1 MAR 2018 Jack Butland and Asmir Begovic send off Thomas Sorensen as he begins marathon fundraiser for seriously ill children Thomas Sorensen has finished months of training to set off on a 3,500km bike ride across Australia with a plan to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for children most in need. The Stoke City favourite, whose star performances in goal helped keep the Potters in the Premier League in the seasons following promotion, jumped on two wheels after officially hanging up his gloves last summer. He had finished his playing career at Melbourne City and has stayed Down Under to support the charity Starlight Australia. The 41-year-old planned this RideForKids mission with the aim of collecting $150,000 that could either grant 23 life-changing wishes for a seriously ill child or be invested in brightening the hospital experience for 3,800 children on the Starlight programme. He said: “When I was growing up I had one dream, to be a professional footballer. With the support of many people I was incredibly fortunate to be able to do it – but not every child gets to live their dream. “So I’m undertaking a 3,500km bike ride from one side of Australia to the other to raise money for an inspirational charity, the Starlight Foundation Australia, which has one simple mission: to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families.” Sorensen set off yesterday from the Barosssa Valley, South Australia, with a 67km – and 809m climb – through the wine region towards Hahndorf. He will wind his way through from Adelaide to Melbourne before a second stage around Tasmania and final stage heading north to Sydney, finishing at Sydney Opera House on April 1. That's about 2,200 miles all in all. The goalkeepers’ union has been out to cheer him on, including his old pals from Stoke. Jack Butland posted on Twitter: “Good luck to a good friend of mine and the team on their 3,500km Australian bike ride in aide of the Starlight Foundation. Please support and donate if you can.” Asmir Begovic wrote: “Wishing my good friend Thomas Sorensen aall the best with his latest challenge.” Sorensen is also hosting an auction for the cause, with donations of signed shirts from Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero. He has been on a big charity bike ride before, clocking up 4,000 miles cycling across the United States in aid of the University Hospitals of North Midlands charity and underprivileged children in Denmark. For more information or to make a donation, visit rideforkids.com https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/thomas-sorensen-stoke-city-rideforkids-1281056?utm_source=google_news&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=google_news&utm_content=sitemap
  3. It's interesting to look at where the goals are coming from. Looking at all the goals scored since January 1st, excluding Ross McCormack, things looks like this: Budzinski - 4 Vidosic - 3 Arzani - 2 Mauk - 1 Not a lot of goals over 9 games. 1 goal a game if Budzinski, Vidosic and Arzani (the top scorers, and usual starters) are counted together. We have scored 31 goals over 21 games, so we pretty perfectly average 1.5 goals a game (in practice, 1 goal one game and 2 goals the next game). Also, this season our final scored breakdown is: scoreless 3 times, 1 goal 8 times, 2 goal 9 times, 5 goals 1 time. So only looking at the stats, we are indeed likely to score 2 goals (and only 2 goals) on Friday, with Budzinski and Vidosic being the scorers. IMO, the team urgently needs Fornaroli back in the team. Also, another proper forward (such as a winger) who could score goals regularly would be a huge plus (maybe Arzani?). If Melbourne City gets a frontline that can fire, and we don't need to rely on goals from midfield, then the team can score enough goals to turn draws into wins and finish strongly(we have 2 draws over the last 6 rounds [both 2-2 draws]). While it's arguable we are scoring an ok or passable amount of goals, if we're to get lots of points over the last 6 games--and to have a genuinely good chance in the finals--then I agree we could really use some more firepower.
  4. Team News: City’s Round 22 Squad melbournecityfc.com.au 2 hrs ago The team is in for Friday’s Decider Melbourne Derby. See who’s in the who’s out of this week’s side. Defensive reinforcements have come in for the 26th edition of the Derby with Manny Muscat and Ruon Tongyik returning to the side to replace the suspended Bart Schenkeveld. Muscat missed the bench in the clash with Perth through illness while Tongyik returns to the selection mix for one of the biggest games of the season. City’s attacking arsenal has been retained for the contest with Daniel Arzani, Nick Fitzgerald, Bruce Kamau, Marcin Budzinski and Dario Vidosic fit and firing for the contest while Bruno Fornaroli is closer to playing more minutes as he works his way back to full match fitness. City face Victory in The Decider Melbourne Derby on Friday night, kick-off 7.50pm. Get your tickets for the contest below. Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Dean Bouzanis, 2.Manny Muscat, 3. Scott Jamieson, 4. Harrison Delbridge, 7. Nick Fitzgerald, 8.Oliver Bozanic, 10.Dario Vidosic, 11. Bruce Kamau, 13. Stefan Mauk, 14.Daniel Arzani, 15.Denis Genreau, 18. Eugene Galekovic, 21.Ruon Tongyik, 22. Michael Jakobsen, 23.Bruno Fornaroli, 26. Luke Brattan, 27. Marcin Budzinski, 37.Nathaniel Atkinson Ins: 2.Manny Muscat (returns from illness), 21.Ruon Tongyik (promoted), 15.Denis Genreau (promoted) Outs: 5.Bart Schenkeveld (suspended – 1 week) Unavailable: 6.Osama Malik (quad), 19.Christian Cavallo (quad) https://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/news/team-news-citys-round-22-squad
  5. Daniel Arzani wants to use Melbourne Derby as stage to prove international credentials Ben McKay FEBRUARY 28, 2018 HE’S had just seven A-League starts but Melbourne City teenager Daniel Arzani says he’s as ready as he’ll ever be for a Socceroos call-up. And he plans to show his readiness for the big time with a showing on one of the biggest A-League stages - the Melbourne derby. Arzani, 19, wasn’t in his club’s plans when the last derby rolled around just prior to Christmas. He hasn’t missed a match since, becoming a permanent member of the City side with whirlwind displays of his talent on the wing. As it happens, Victory are the only A-League opponent Arzani is yet to face in his seven starts - nine appearances in total - and he can’t wait. “I’m really excited to be playing. Can’t wait. It’s going to be a crazy atmosphere and it’s very exciting,” he said. “I want to go into this derby and just run at players. I’m really happy to be starting and I just hope I can do really well. “I always had that confidence in myself. “I just felt like I needed a chance and it was just about working hard at training and making sure I get that chance so when I do I’m ready for it.” It could be the only derby he plays in. Arzani is out of contract at season’s end and has been tipped by teammate Luke Brattan to pursue a deal overseas to fulfil his undoubted potential. Despite the hunger of local fans eager to see Australian football’s ‘next big thing’, Arzani expects to be booed at AAMI Park. “I always expect to get booed. I even get booed in Perth, Brisbane, whatever. It’s all good,” he said. “I’m not sure (why it happens). I’ve heard a couple of different reasons as to why. “I think the opposition just boo you because they don’t want to see you doing well. “It’s not a big deal it helps me if anything, I get a bit fired up.” Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk is expected to name an extended squad for the March friendlies with Norway and Colombia over the weekend. At the time of the last derby, it would have been laughable to suggest that Arzani’s name would be among those selected. Now, it would seem negligent for the Dutchman not to call the Sydney-raised teenager into camp just to get a look at him. Arzani, who is also eligible to play for Iran, didn’t definitively answer whether he would represent Australia if asked but said he was waiting for a call. “I’d be very happy to get called up and I feel like I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” he said. “I think I can be a bit better physically but my mindset is as good as it’s going to get.” http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/daniel-arzani-wants-to-use-melbourne-derby-as-stage-to-prove-international-credentials/news-story/591b5d249b09a8f45264f3f356e4a21a
  6. “It was the worst pain I’d ever felt” – Wunderkind Atkinson looks to cap off recovery with dream derby win By Joey Lynch February 28, 2018 The Launceston born winger/wing-back was setting tongues wagging among the A-League commentariat; his youthful enthusiasm, quickness and audacious willingness to run at opponents caught the eye of observers. Alongside fellow City youngster Daniel Arzani and Perth Glory’s Jacob Italiano, Atkinson was being touted as part of a new generation of exciting Australian footballer, one that would be entering their prime in time for the 2022 World Cup. The 18-year-old had also just signed a two-year senior deal with Melbourne City, only a month after making his senior debut. This fairytale opening to Atkinson’s professional career would take a dark turn however, when during City’s 5-0 demolition of Adelaide United on 21 January, the youngster was stretchered off the field with an apparently severe ankle injury. Contesting an Adelaide corner in the 67th minute, Atkinson came down on the foot of another player before rolling his ankle. “At the time I thought I’d just jumped and landed awkwardly,” Atkinson recalled. “But going home from hospital and looking through the highlights, I landed on another players foot, and when he moved my foot rolled completely over and then – instant pain. “I thought I broke my whole ankle, there was that much pain. “Looking back to how it happened, the way I rolled it, the physios at the time thought the worst before they got to see me – I thought something really bad had happened. “On the pitch Dazza (Dario Vidosic) was feeling around my ankle, twisting it, and after he did that he was pretty confident there was no breakage.” Atkinson writhed on the AAMI Park surface for several minutes with the City staff eventually stretching him off. He took several gulps from the infamous ‘green whistle’ anaesthetic so often seen after serious sporting injuries. “I was in a lot of pain, was sucking down the whistle,” Atkinson admits. “Dazza (Vidosic, who continued to console Atkinson as he was stretchered off the field) just said to breathe. “At the time it was the worst pain I’d ever felt. “They had to cut my boot off because it was too painful to take off normally.” City officials immediately drove Atkinson to hospital following his exit from the field of play, with doctors looking to rule out any damage to the bones in the youngster’s ankle. “The hospital was two minutes away,” Atkinson said. “The ambulance didn’t come, it was about 3-5 minutes away, so they just drove me there in two minutes. “I went into emergency and got an x-ray. “It came out pretty good, no break or anything. “The next one or two days we got MRI scans, CAT scans and that’s where it showed that I’d ruptured two ligaments. “Obviously rupturing two ligaments isn’t the greatest, but it’s probably the best outcome compared to what could have been.” Initial outside reports indicated that Atkinson may have been sidelined six to 12 months with the injury, but internally the prognosis was for a much quicker recovery. “They say the ligaments that I did are only used for stability, so if you let them heal and tape them up I should be back pretty quickly, compared to I’d done other ligaments in the foot,” he explained. “Cody (Melbourne City Physiotherapist Cody Williamson) said we’ll aim for five weeks, the Perth game, and that was the game I came back in.” Rehab began at City’s Bundoora headquarters almost immediately following the incident. “It (the rehab) was all based at the CFA, first two days coming back I was doing upper body – I was in a moon boot – got the gun show going,” Atkinson laughed. “Gradually after about a week I could walk on it and then two weeks in some slight jogging – a brisk walk. “Third week I was getting into running straight lines, fourth week running as quick as I could. “After four weeks I was back training, fifth week playing.” Atkinson made his return to the field against the Glory last week, starting at right-back and playing 75 minutes before being forced from the field with cramp. The ankle, much like that of his City teammate Bruno Fornaroli, still pains him following games and during training, but Atkinson insists that he is not going to let it affect the way that he plays. “There’s going to be some sort of pain for the rest of the season probably, until I can fully rest it and recover,” he clarified. “Ligaments take a long time to heal, probably a year, so there’s still going to be a bit of pain here and there. “I only struggled with match fitness (in the Perth game), I came off with cramp, which I guess is normal after being out for five weeks, but I feel pretty confident with the ankle.” He will need to be confident, as if he lines back up at right back in Friday’s Melbourne Derby, Atkinson will be faced with the prospect of marking Melbourne Victory superstar Leroy George, who starred in their 3-0 win over Adelaide United last week. Atkinson previously tussled with George in the Christmas Melbourne Derby, when the Suriname-born winger and his Victory teammates would claim temporary bragging rights after a 96th-minute penalty from Mark Milligan brought them the 1-0 win. Despite the loss, Atkinson enjoyed his first Melbourne Derby experience, and is looking forward to getting the opportunity to run back out on the AAMI Park surface for what has been dubbed ‘The Decider’. “I think it was my third A-League game and it was a really good experience,” he fondly reminisced. “It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played for. “There’s a lot of pressure, but it was a lot of fun, there’s a lot of passion from everyone and that’s the sort of games you want to play in. “They’re the best games, a great experience. “We definitely know that we can beat Victory, we’re going to have to be at our best to do it, but the boys are confident and we’ll definitely come out fighting.” http://dailyfootballshow.com/it-was-the-worst-pain-id-ever-felt-wunderkind-atkinson-looks-to-cap-off-recovery-with-dream-derby-win/
  7. Iran make play for Socceroos’ emerging golden boy Daniel Arzani David Davutovic February 28, 2018 THE Socceroos’ Asian rivals Iran have every right to make a play for Australian soccer’s emerging golden boy Daniel Arzani, if his upbringing is any guide. Arzani’s footballing PhD was completed at Canberra’s Centre of Excellence (previously AIS), but two stints in Iran – where he was born – helped ready him for the sporting workforce. The Melbourne City attacker has produced seven of the best first XI performances of the A-League season, let alone for a youngster making his first seven senior starts. The Young Socceroo has attracted interest from Iran, who’ve also qualified for Russia 2018, although it’s understood that he has informed officials of his preference to play for the Socceroos. Primed for a maiden Melbourne derby start tomorrow (Friday) night at AAMI Park, Arzani revealed how his Iranian childhood shaped his career. “I was born in Khorramabad (Iran). I spent the first few years of my life there and in grade five, when I was about 10, my family moved back there for a year. That’s where I gained a lot of my football ability,’’ Arzani told the Herald Sun. “We’d wake up in the morning, walk down to the local bakery, buy some fresh bread, someone else would get some fresh cheese. “We’d sit on the side of the side of the street, eat cheese and bread for breakfast and then just play football until it got dark. Boots as goals and little plastic balls.” The Socceroos’ 2006 World Cup golden generation was underpinned by multiculturalism and Arzani is a classic tail of a kid with a love for two nations. Arzani, who grew up in Maroubra, admitted “it was a bit of a guilty pleasure” seeing Iran qualify for the 2018 World Cup from the other Asian group. Only a few years ago he was in the terraces supporting Iran in one of the most memorable games of the 2015 Asian Cup, in ‘Team Melli’s’ controversial penalty shoot-out loss to Iraq in front of 18,921 fans. “I went to the Iran-Iraq game in Canberra, it was unbelievable. The atmosphere was crazy, Iran should’ve won that game – that shouldn’t have been a red card (to Mehrdad Pooladi),’’ he said. “I was there with my cousins that drove down from Sydney, it was crazy. “I’ve always had a love for the Iranian national team. But also at the some time I followed Australian football a lot more because at the end of the day everything I have today is because of Australian football. “I was a scholar at the AIS so I’ve got Australian football to thank.” https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/socceroos/iran-make-play-for-socceroos-emerging-golden-boy-daniel-arzani/news-story/6d0bebcbc78ca6c0b993232cc3b52f85
  8. New Daniel Arzani interview: http://20313.mc.tritondigital.com/WHOOSHKAA_1825/media-session/fb3fa985-2f51-4763-8edb-6b4ada698f29/podcasts/podcast_1825/podcast_media/902e91-arzani-28.mp3 Another Arzani interview in the derby lead up: Fornaroli interview in the lead up to the derby: Bozanic interview in the lead up to the derby:
  9. Melbourne City marquee star Bruno Fornaroli say he’s ready for derby start DAVID DAVUTOVIC February 27, 2018 MELBOURNE City striker Bruno Fornaroli admits he still feels ankle pain but said he is ready to start in Friday’s local derby after two substitute appearances. Fornaroli was robbed of crucial minutes, with Bart Schenkeveld’s 67th minute red card forcing as reshuffle with fellow defender Harrison Delbridge coming on instead of the Uruguayan who was stripped and ready to come on last week. Despite playing just 11 minutes Fornaroli had a chance to score before Perth Glory’s Adam Taggart netted the winner. Fornaroli admitted he was lacking sharpness but coupled with his impressive 26 minute return the week before in the loss to Sydney FC, said was ready for a first XI spot. “It’s different when you don’t play for the last six months but I am ready. I trained today and I’m feeling amazing,’’ Fornaroli said. “I work hard outside the pitch, my mind is free now. I can play. “I’m training every day with pain. Sometimes the pain leaves me, sometimes it’s harder, but I have to work everyday and try to do everything well. “When you spend a lot of time injured it (pain) is normal. The danger is not the injury, after the surgery they say you will feel pain for (a period). I can’t think about this. “When I play also I forget a little bit and my ankle gets better, I don’t think about it, I’m not scared to put the foot in. This is a good thing for me, I don’t remember the tackle. “I still need minutes to get 110 per cent but I think this is the only way when I play.” Fornaroli revealed that watching the pre-Christmas clash was gut-wrenching but he was thrilled to be part of his first Melbourne derby after providing some memorable moments in recent years. “I’m here, I try to play this game. I live the derby game,’’ he said. “One of my hardest moments was when I went to watch the second game in AAMI Park, I turn around in the car, I saw too many people, our fans, I said ‘I want to play in this game’. “Maybe if they had put me in my ankle wouldn’t have been sore.” http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/melbourne-city-marquee-star-bruno-fornaroli-say-hes-ready-for-derby-start/news-story/294dc7958d45cda41392b328aad7d38a?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
  10. A week ago Omar Eddahri was reportedly joining a Serie B side. However, a day or so later Omar told Swedish media that "I'm not in Italy", and that while yes he has been in contact with this club "I've had contact with many clubs, many who offered different things, but they're just one in the crowd". (source) so it looks like Omar is still a free agent and is talking with multiple clubs. I'm weary that because we signed Bozanic, we have very limited cap space left, and can't sign a Visa player, or at least can't sign a Visa player like Omar Eddahri. I'm pretty sure that CFG can do better than Marcel Meeuwis. CFG did sign Harry Novillo in March in 2015 (as an injury replacement player). Anyway, there is a world of footballers out there, and this season especially the club has been very open to clearing up more space on playing list, if deemed necessary. I believe this club could make one final improvement on the squad this season, if the club fully decides to do so.
  11. Murfy1

    Jess Fishlock

    Yes I know when we mention trophies, the list of Melbourne Heart/City's greatest players immediately becomes a lot shorter lol It should also be mentioned that Steph Catley, Aivi Luik and Rebekah Stott also completed the Threepeat. So a quartet of very strong and important players. Nonetheless, I believe Fishlock was named player of the match in 2 of the 3 grand finals, and as @thisphantomfortress said she has scored in most of our finals matches. So in terms of being a big game player, and being directly responsible for bringing real success and trophies to the club, objectively I think we can't go past Jess Fishlock. In terms of what they did produce and could produce at our club, then Mooy may well have been our most talented player ever. But apart from being in (and leading our team to be) the record goal scoring team, Mooy didn't happen to be in a Melbourne City team that picked up silverware. If Bruno can help lead the Melbourne City men's team to a Championship (GF win) or a Premiership (1st), then there's a decent argument for him being our greatest ever club player (especially given where the men's team has had to come from, and all that has to be overcome, compared with the women's team [which had a clean slate. A very good reminder of the advantages of getting stuff right the first time round]). But at present, Fishlock is the clear winner IMO. If you have ever seen the trophy case at CFG Academy in Bundoora, then it would be understood how hugely important it has been that Fishlock and others could directly help out in filling the trophy case. All the players must walk by it all the time, and mostly thanks to Fishlock, the players can now hold their heads higher. I really hope Fishlock continues to play some role in the club going forward, as the final thing a player like her can do to help the club be more successful going forward would be to just stick around, and play some role at the club, to help inspire the next players to win even more trophies.
  12. Fair point on Muscat specifically. Nonetheless, I'd still say that having zero cover for Atkinson was being very hopeful. Having no cover for a kid who's just had a long injury, and expecting him to play 90+ minutes away in Perth, was asking for trouble. Agree on all those points. Looking back, I think much of the optimism over the first month of the season in October had as much to do with our squad (and the potential of all the players in the squad) as the successful/winning football we were playing at that time. However, instead of seeing Fornaroli, Brandan, Carrusca and more integrate into the team together, we are trying to integrate new players mid-season in Delbridge, Vidosic, Bozanic. Apart from Vidosic, the highest amount of mid-season turnover we've ever had is not paying off ATM. And instead of building for the future, I am also concerned that some of these poor decisions- like signing Delbridge for 3 seasons- will definitely hurt us more as time goes on.
  13. I agree that both are the key people to blame for the loss. Bart obviously for 2 silly yellows and getting sent off with 23 minutes of regular time to go. However, It would be papering over the cracks IMO to pretend there were no other problems with the team. Crumbling and losing 2-1 to Perth--the 9th place team with the worst defence--over the last third of the game rather clearly indicates that there are other weaknesses/imperfections in the team. And we looked weak at both ends. From the start of the 2nd half our defence was inviting on way too much pressure IMO. If the tactic was to "shut up shop", then it was evidently the wrong strategy. And then after Bart got sent off the floodgates opened. Perth are also one of the worst attacking teams this season, with 26 goals over 21 games, and in 30 minutes Perth could too easily dictate the game, manufacture chances, and score pretty much twice their average number of goals over 90 minutes in 30 minutes against us. These 30 minutes perhaps highlighted that our defence is overly reliant on Bart, and it looks much shakier if he's not in the defensive set up. I'd also call out Delbridge--Joyce's handpicked CB--for showing generally poor quality, and terrible tackling technique, which was on full display for Perth's first goal when he slidetackled the ball a few metres towards Kilkenny, and then slidetackled again to attempt to block the shot. Delbridge is starting to look like a very poor management decision, someone the coach went out of his way to bring into the team, who is now being played ahead of La Rocca and Tongyik. And then there's Muscat being dropped from the extended squad so Atkinson, newly returned after a several week layoff, can start without any backup, because Lesiotis also received a precious bench spot (his first time to join the senior squad). Not having a natural RB in the team I'd also call a mistake. The attack from the start of the 2nd half was also weak. We managed maybe 2 shots over the 2nd half, and every shot of our's in the 2nd half was certainly not meaningful. Against the weakest defence in the league, the best form of defence for us would have been to attack, or at minimum at least sometimes attack in the 2nd half, and we failed to do that. I don't really buy the point about us not having strikers ATM. Given that our team released multiple attackers, namely Cahill, Brandan, Crowley (a striker signed by Joyce for 2 years in September, and released this month) and Carrusca, one doesn't at all have the option to then turn around and say they have no attackers. Also, Fornaroli could have played much more than the last several minutes. So, it's quite easy to say that our limited attack (which is now nearly entirely carried by 19 year old Arzani) is the result of management decisions (including the decision to limit attacking players [like Fornaroli] and attacking play on match day), and not due to random circumstances, like the bygone injury to Fornaroli. Overall, we simply made far too much hard work of playing the 2nd bottom side Perth Glory IMO. We got burned at both ends. First, we barely attacked, then we tried to defend for about half of the game against the weakest defence in the league, for some reason. Bart's serious stuff up on the 67th minute was catastrophic. Nonetheless, it could be said that another top four side would have been at least 2 goals up against this Perth Glory side by the 67th minute--and further, that the wheels wouldn't have fallen off completely in 30 minutes against this opposition. So, we better not just get Bart back in 2 rounds. We better shape up the overall attack and defence. I think we still have enough personnel to have a real competitive team. And if this alleged "defensive focus" about Melbourne City this season (which Scott Munn and others have said Melbourne City has) could finally start to bear fruit (no more set piece howlers, poor defending of the penalty box, and poor transition defence [Perth's 2nd goal]), then possibly if the team shapes up then we could finish the season with momentum.
  14. Bozanic set to start as City look to get Sydney defeat out of system Michael Lynch FEBRUARY 23 2018 Players and coaches will usually say they appreciate a two-week break somewhere in the season, especially if it gives them a chance to recharge their batteries, examine their season and readjust their aims and targets for the remaining games. Melbourne City boss Warren Joyce has been able to do all of that, and more. But ask him if he and his squad have enjoyed the downtime, and the answer is no. So disappointed were the City squad and players with their last result – that heavy 4-0 home defeat to Sydney FC – that they were champing at the bit to get on the pitch straight away, rather than have to wait 15 days to face Perth in Western Australia on Saturday night. ''To be honest we could have done with a game straight away after that last match,'' says Joyce. ''I didn't feel the scoreline reflected the game. They were good but in the last 20 minutes we were chasing the game, putting on attacking players and leaving ourselves vulnerable.'' City will be without Osama Malik, whose injury in the last moments of the pre-game warm-up against Sydney forced his withdrawal from that game and ensured Joyce had to reshuffle his pack at short notice, bringing Manny Muscat into the side and moving other players around. ''That didn't help because all of the things you are doing, all the way you are preparing all week leading into the game changed at short notice. But that's gone now. We just have to concentrate on getting results over the rest of the season and not think about what's gone before.'' Malik has not recovered in time to play in this game, but the extra time off has given talismanic striker Bruno Fornaroli more time to get in shape following his first appearance of the season off the bench against Sydney. The Uruguayan forward is still recovering and feels pain, says Joyce, so managing his situation is still a day-to-day occupation. New signing Oliver Bozanic, a former Melbourne Victory and Socceroo midfielder, is also likely to start against Glory. http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/melbourne-city/bozanic-set-to-start-as-city-look-to-get-sydney-defeat-out-of-system-20180223-p4z1g7.html Oliver Bozanic set for City A-League debut By AAP 36 minutes ago Oliver Bozanic will make his Melbourne City debut against Perth Glory on Saturday night but there's still no certainty as to when stricken club captain Bruno Fornaroli will return to full-time A-League duties. Fornaroli spent six months recuperating from an ankle injury before returning to action in City's last-out loss to Sydney FC. After a bye last weekend, hopes were high the Uruguayan golden boot winner might be ready to lead City's line once more. While Fornaroli will travel to Perth, coach Warren Joyce is unsure whether he'll be playing. "We still have to monitor him on a daily basis ... he's not progressed as quickly as we'd like," Joyce said. https://wwos.nine.com.au/2018/02/23/13/04/bruno-bozanic-set-for-city-a-league-debut
  15. Melbourne City young gun Daniel Arzani says public attention has been ‘a little bit crazy’ since his A-League emergence MATT WINDLEY February 20, 2018 DANIEL Arzani isn’t sure what all the fuss is about. The Melbourne City young gun has been all the rage since storming into his side’s starting XI in January and the attention he has received since has been “a little bit crazy”, he said. But while the football public is fawning over the 19-year-old, the man who should be Arzani’s No. 1 fan has recently given the attacking whiz a dose of reality. City players were given last weekend off and Arzani returned home to Sydney for two nights — where he got less than a rock star reception. “My old man, he’s a tough one,” Arzani said with a laugh. “He’s one of those ones that’s never really completely satisfied. “So, going back home, he chucked on the Sydney FC game straight away and was giving me pointers and telling me the things he thought I was doing wrong. “He’s happy that I’m doing well, but for him it’s just the first steps. And I agree as well.” With such conjecture about the A-League’s role in developing Australia’s youth stocks, Arzani has become a pin-up boy for showcasing the abilities of the next generation of stars. He’s also had the added pressures of dealing with speculation about his international future and whether he will one day play for the Socceroos or Iran. But being just 15 games into his professional career, Arzani said the hype around him had been a little bit extreme. “Yeah, to be honest, it’s been a little bit crazy,” he said. “I’ve just been doing what I’ve been doing my whole life and to me it’s a little bit scary because I’m still not playing as good as I can. “I’m still maybe at only 70 per cent of my maximum. Usually I score a lot of goals, especially in the NYL (National Youth League), but in the A-League I haven’t been able to find the back of the net from open play. “So with me, the stories, I’m a little bit shocked, but I’m also happy as well.” But the Australian youth international said he isn’t trying to hide under a rock either. “I haven’t been trying to keep away from it, but I don’t actively seek it out either,” he said. “Sometimes my cousin might send me something and I’ll look at it, or my brother or my dad. “But I don’t look too deeply into it because things can be said in the media that isn’t a true reflection of what is really going on.” http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/a-league/melbourne-city-young-gun-daniel-arzani-says-public-attention-has-been-a-little-bit-crazy-since-his-aleague-emergence/news-story/8bdefed92416089b1e33baf1226151c4
  16. Murfy1

    Jess Fishlock

    Has any player (men, women, youth) ever been more important for bringing success/trophies to Melbourne City? Our greatest ever club player?
  17. It depends a little how you define “cross-promotion” or “synergy”. Nonetheless, a few other connections I can recall between the clubs are: - Melb City men’s team training in Manchester and England - Melb City women’s team training in The UAE - JVS going to Manchester/England pre-season - Some Melb City men’s team players going to Manchester at the end of the EPL season, and seeing Man City get silverware - I remember a tribute video made in Manchester, with a few Man City players and/or staff, being played at AAMI Park (but I can’t remember the details, who or why) - A few players like Caceres and Brattan technically joining Man City or CFG, before joining Melbourne City - Mooy joining Man City or CFG - A few Man City Youth Team players joining Melbourne City for pre-season - Daniel Arzani training or trialling with Man City/CFG in Manchester, before joining Melbourne City From my point of view, CFG is weary about potential negatives from cross-promotion/synergy/connections between the CFG clubs. That’s probably one reason why some of these stories/issues get limited or poor promotion. I don’t think CFG or Melb City has promoted the story of Arzani going to Manchester at all (we only know about it from Arzani’s social media and 1 or 2 articles). However, clearly one of the potential positives of Melb City of being owned by CFG is Melb City having more resources (or more access to resources). Melb City using the CFG scouting network is one of the most obvious examples, of a connection with seemingly lots of upside and effectively no negatives (another clear positive example, I believe, is that all of Melb City’s games get the latest video analysis done in Manchester, and then the analysis is sent back here to the Melb City coaching staff’s benefit). So, it could be said that Melb City having limited use of CFG resources-because CFG is weary of negatives, like negative media (David Villa anyone?)-creates its own wasteful negative, that Melb City is apart of the biggest and richest football group in the world, but only uses these benefits and connections in a pretty limited way. It’s probably a rather difficult balancing act, having Melb City benefit from the CFG group while not appearing to be a derivative or feeder club. But year after year Melb City is building more experience with this situation, and this is a central and ongoing fact with Melb City that needs to be gotten right, for Melb City to get some real success. So I’d like to see some more useful connections between the club. And for these connections to be told in a compelling and useful story by the club (if CFG and Melb City don’t explain and tell the story of the connections between our clubs, the newspapers will, and that would be to Melb City’s [and CFG’s] detriment). Two places I’d suggest they start is with New York City and Melbourne City, because as far as I’m aware there have been no connections between our clubs, and given our more comparable levels I see no reason at all why that’s the case (connections between Melb City and NYCFC could surely provide some benefits to both clubs). And another point is Daniel Arzani: the club could surely tell a story about him going to Manchester, being Wowed by Man City and CFG, and realising with CFG and Melbourne City that’s how he could achieve his football dream. Anyway, there’s no shortage of time or opportunities. CFG and the clubs just need to make some smart moves, and I believe we’ll see big benefits.
  18. For what it's worth, Expressen is one of the two biggest newspapers in Sweden. On Omar Eddahri, he played in the Allsvenskan--Sweden's 1st division--last season and over 25 games he got 8 goals. And here's his latest highlights video:
  19. Left all Swedish - near Melbourne FC Daniel Kristoffersson published 7 Feb 2018 at 11.43 Omar Eddahri appears to have found a new club. According to SportExpressen, the 27-year-old striker only details from a transition to Melbourne FC in Australia. The parties must agree on a short-term contract - and the player is expected to complete the mandatory medical examination within the next few days. Omar Eddahri confirmed this autumn that he would leave AFC Eskilstuna after leaving the club from all over Sweden. "We have had four lovely years together but after the season we will go separate ways but we will do it with love. It's mutual and we love each other but after the season, the story is over, he said in September. Omar Eddhari to Melbourne Since then, rumors have been many around the 27-year-old striker and he has been linked with both Swedish-speaking clubs and clubs outside Scandinavia. According to SportExpressen, it is now unexpectedly a move for Eddahri, as he is close to a contract with Melbourne FC in Australia. The parties should be verbally agreed on a shorter contract season out. If everything goes as planned, the player flies down to do the medical examination within the next week, thus strengthening Melbourne's offensive. Belong to City group The Australian club belongs to City Footballgroup, including Manchester City, New York City FC, Girona FC, Club Atletico Torque and Yokohama Marinos. The club plays in the A-League and is trained by manager Warre Joyce. The team is playing their home matches at AAMI Park with a seat of 30,050 spectators. Team mate with Scott Jamieson In Melbourne, Eddahri becomes team-mate with the former leftback of IFK Gothenburg, Scott Jamieson, who left Blåvitt for Australia just before. Omar Eddahri scored eight goals and two performances of 25 total Swedish matches last year. He left Sollentuna in 2014 to sign for AFC Eskilstuna where there were four seasons in total. https://www.expressen.se/sport/fotboll/allsvenskan/lamnade-allsvenskan-gor-ovantat-klubbval/ [Google translated]
  20. Fornaroli in line for Melbourne City return against Sydney FC AAP 7 FEB 2018 - 10:34 AM Melbourne City club captain and fan favourite Bruno Fornaroli is in line to make his long-awaited A-League season debut on Saturday night against Sydney FC. The Uruguayan has continued his rehabilitation and training from an ankle injury suffered last August, but played and scored in a practice match against visiting Chinese side Guangzhou R&F on Tuesday night. Fornaroli told News Corp he is ready to return to regular action after completing 70 minutes. Given the loss of injury replacement striker Ross McCormack, who returned to England last week, Fornaroli's return to fitness would certainly be timely. And with the emergence of Arzani as Australian football's next big thing over the summer, the combination is a mouth-watering one for City. City haven't lost since the 19-year-old was thrown on as a substitute while trailing to Wellington Phoenix a month ago. His exciting movement and assists have seen Warren Joyce's men go on a six-match unbeaten run - perfectly timed for the visit of the Sky Blues. In-form City midfielder Luke Brattan said A-League fans should come and see Arzani, and hopefully Fornaroli, in the club's "biggest match of the season" against leaders Sydney. "This is the biggest game of the season," Brattan said. "As a professional footballer these are the games you want to play in. They are the best team and if you want to be the best you've got to beat the best, so we have got to beat them." Like everyone at the expansion club, Brattan has been wowed by the Iranian-Australian talent, comparing him to A-League royalty. "Playing with him is the same as playing with Thomas Broich," Brattan said, referring to Brisbane Roar's Johnny Warren Medalist. "You can just look to pass to him and things happen." Brattan said if he kept his head down, the season could be Arzani's last in Australia. "I don't think he's going to be around here much longer," he said. "At his age, he is incredible. Some of the stuff he does at training the only way I can stop him is to kick him. It's the same on the weekend. "But people have been pumping him up. Maybe too many. "He's playing well but he's got a lot to learn. It might be for his best that the media stop talking about him." Arzani has been tipped for an unlikely 2018 FIFA World Cup berth off the back of his performances - something that still motivates Brattan as well. "That's still my goal. With a new coach coming in its a clean slate and everyone can get picked," he said. "If your team does well, you have a chance." https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2018/02/07/fornaroli-line-melbourne-city-return-against-sydney-fc
  21. “I want to come back” – Bruno Fornaroli takes another step on the road to recovery By Joey Lynch February 7, 2018 Bruno Fornaroli took another step on the road to a return to A-League football on Tuesday afternoon, going 70 minutes in a friendly against Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F at the City Football Academy in Bundoora. Taking another step in his recovery from the right ankle fracture he suffered in an FFA Cup tie against Hakoah in August 2017, Fornaroli started the game lined up in his familiar spot atop City’s forward line. The Uruguayan talisman would have a bright opening to proceedings, knocking in a Nick Fitzgerald cross to open the game’s scoring in the 14th minute. Despite rarely getting out of first gear during the match, the performance boded well for Fornaroli’s ongoing recovery, with the 30-year-old absorbing several knocks from his Chinese opponents without a second thought. Despite his ankle being heavily iced after his substitution, Fornaroli stayed on the bench to watch the conclusion of the game, and indicated after the game that his substitution and subsequent icing was planned by the City staff prior to the match. “It’s only for the reaction, not for nothing strange,” Fornaroli said. “It’s nothing bad so it’s a good point for me. “We already talked about it (70 minutes of game time), play 70 minutes not force it. I fealt great to continue” It was Fornaroli’s second hit out as part of his rehab, his first coming last week in a behind closed doors friendly against South Australian NPL side MetroStars. And Fornaroli said he was pleased with the way his recovery is progressing. “(I’m) good, happy, it’s a good session for me,” he added. “I feel great to play again. We continue to prepare to come back. “It’s a very good step for me because last week I got the injection and got a little bit of rest and crossed my fingers that that injection worked. “And today I feel great. “Tomorrow is an important day to see my reaction and to try to feel great and continue to try and come back to the team.” Asked about the possibility of making his A-League return this Saturday when City hosts runaway league leaders Sydney FC, Fornaroli could not hide his enthusiasm. “This question’s not for me at the moment, it’s for the coach,” he grinned. “I want to come back, I don’t care. I don’t care. Now is for me. “I feel happy with this game because I touched the ball again and I can play and I feel like a soccer player again. “If the coach feels that I am ready to play for the first 45 or to go to the bench I’m happy to take it.” http://dailyfootballshow.com/i-want-to-come-back-bruno-fornaroli-takes-another-step-on-the-road-to-recovery/
  22. Fornaroli had an injection in his injured knee yesterday, and now he's not training Setback for Melbourne City 2nd February 2018 http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/setback-for-melbourne-city/video/b79e445f84a2d05a8010329b653901ba
  23. Perth Glory new boy Neil Kilkenny at a loss to explain Melbourne City exile By Daily Football Show February 1, 2018 Perth Glory recruit Neil Kilkenny says the reasons why he was frozen out of Melbourne City’s first team setup were never disclosed by manager Warren Joyce. City released their reigning Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year on 23 January, and two days later he moved west to Perth Glory. Across both City and Glory, Kilkenny has started just one match this season, his Perth debut, and averages only 23 minutes per match at a total of 160. City used Kilkenny off the bench on three occasions in the first 17 weeks of the season. That is a stark contrast to last campaign, when, under John van’t Schip and Michael Valkanis, Kilkenny was City’s midfield fulcrum, completing 22 of 25 full matches. Kilkenny came close to being named Man of the Match on his Glory debut, trailing in second only to Diego Castro, who netted twice and brought up an assist in their 3-1 win over 10-man Western Sydney Wanderers. Kilkenny told Thursday’s Daily Football Show he was left frustrated by his omission, but had little hesitation in making the move west despite being a considerable distance from his Melbourne-based family. “He (Kenny Lowe) rang me up and I spoke to him about a few things, I’ve known Kenny for a while,” he said. “He’s a great man, really honest, down to earth, he gets on with everyone so well. He rang me up and just said, ‘come and play here, obviously you’re not playing this year’. “That was a massive disappointment for me because I thought I had a very good year last year getting Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year. “It was a big surprise when the new manager cam in and didn’t want to play me. “These things happen and I had the opportunity to come to Perth Glory and I jumped at the chance to come and work under Kenny Lowe.” And ultimately, Kilkenny began his career with Perth still unsure why he fell down the pecking order in the first place. “I don’t know (what went wrong) if I’m honest … he never explains his decisions, he just decided not to play me,” the 32-year-old added. “He made his decision and he’ll get judged on his results and the way he does it. “Players at the club know the style of play he wants to play and obviously I don’t suit that – last year I did suit that. “I think that he’s gone down the different road of the style they want to play and that’s fair enough.” “Now I’ve got an opportunity here (Perth) to come and try and express myself.” Kilkenny and Perth will be tracking a second win in a row against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Saturday and with it, the chance to jump back into the top six. Three points against the Reds will see Lowe’s men do exactly that should Brisbane Roar and the Wanderers lose their respective matches against City and Central Coast Mariners. http://dailyfootballshow.com/perth-glory-new-boy-neil-kilkenny-at-a-loss-to-explain-melbourne-city-exile/ Full interview here: http://20313.mc.tritondigital.com/WHOOSHKAA_1825/media-session/0d41107c-39a4-40c7-94ea-1a1812fc27f9/podcasts/podcast_1825/podcast_media/d59519-neil-1st.mp3
  24. Socceroos to reach out to young gun Arzani AAP 1 FEB 2018 Socceroos staffers will reach out to rising Melbourne City star Daniel Arzani as he mulls his international future. But Football Federation Australia's head of national teams Luke Casserly says it will be disappointing if Arzani chooses to represent Iran over Australia. Arzani, 19, has lit up the A-League over the past two months but says he has no idea which national team he wants to play for. Born in Iran but raised in Sydney, Arzani has represented Australia at under-17, under-20 and under-23 level and came through FFA's now-shuttered Centre of Excellence at the AIS. However, reports indicate Iran are tracking his progress and could entice him to change loyalties with a spot in their World Cup squad. "To be honest, I haven't really thought about it at all," Arzani told reporters on Thursday. "I'd have to talk to my parents, I'd have to talk to my father and we'd have to decide together. "I've got no idea." Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold said last week that Arzani was pushing himself into Australia's World Cup calculations since emerging as City's new attacking spark. Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk was careful not to single out any players for attention when he fronted the media in Sydney on Thursday - but there's little doubt Arzani will soon come to his attention as he casts an eye over the A-League in the coming weeks. Casserly, who helped orchestrate van Marwijk's deal, said he was keen to see Arzani stay in the green and gold. "We've invested a fair bit in him over the years," Casserly told AAP. "It would be disappointing if he was to change allegiances. But, as always, it's the decision of the individual." Arzani, who has been named the January nominee for the A-League's young player of the year award, said he was taking all the extra attention - on-field and off - in his stride. "A lot of the things we're talking about now, they wouldn't even be talked about if I wasn't doing well," he said. "I've got to continue doing well to have any chance of being in the World Cup squad or achieving anything, really." https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2018/02/01/socceroos-reach-out-young-gun-arzani-0
  25. Young A-League star Daniel Arzani torn between representing Australian or Iran Matt Windley, Herald Sun February 1, 2018 11:09am THE Socceroos may lose out on the services of one of the country’s brightest prospects, with Melbourne City young gun Daniel Arzani admitting he has “no idea” if he wants to play international football for Australia or Iran. Arzani was born in Iran to Iranian parents, but was raised in Sydney, making him eligible to represent both nations. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has been a revelation since breaking in to City’s first XI in early January. And Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold - who may yet be the Socceroos boss after this year’s World Cup - has even touted Arzani as a potential bolter for the Socceroos squad for Russia, something which a flattered Arzani said on Thursday morning he is “not thinking too much about” yet. But with this potential international tug-of-war looming, Arzani may even be an outside chance of featuring in Iran’s squad in June, with suggestions he is already on the radar of Team Melli coach Carlos Queiroz. Asked directly who he would choose today if both Australia and Iran came calling, Arzani baulked at providing a definitive answer. “I’ve got no idea,” Arzani said. “To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it at all. “I was born in Iran, but raised in Australia. I’d have to talk to my parents, my father, and we’d have to decide together.” Arzani’s existing City contract expires at the end of this season, with Sydney FC and Western Sydney said to be among those interested in poaching the talented teen. But Arzani is comfortable with the contract situation, as he said there is a “clause in my contract that extends me to next season” if certain requirements are met. He said he has no pre-conceived idea about when he would like to ply his trade abroad, only to say that “I think you’ve got to achieve something in the A-League first” before making a move. And he also said the pathways that Melbourne City provides to the rest of the world - a la Aaron Mooy’s move to Huddersfield Town via Manchester City - made remaining at his current club all the more appealing. “It’s very exciting,” he said. “We all know about the connections the City Football Group has. “But I think at the end of the day anything only comes about if you’re performing. And if you’re not performing nothing will happen, so I’ve just got to keep going.” http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/socceroos/young-aleague-star-daniel-arzani-torn-between-representing-australian-or-iran/news-story/135fde6668cd09a5265887707899e1d1
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