A-League 2020: Melbourne City coach Erick Mombaerts says ladder position more important than finals glory
Grand final glory won’t determine whether Melbourne City’s A-League season has been successful.
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MELBOURNE City coach Erick Mombaerts will consider the club’s season a success regardless of whether they win the A-League title.
City meet Western United in a Victorian derby and sudden-death semi-final at Bankwest Stadium on Wednesday night.
The winners will advance to Sunday’s grand final against either Sydney FC or Perth Glory at the same venue.
For the losers, their season will be over.
That would be particularly harsh on City as they finished second on the ladder but don’t get the luxury of a double chance given the cut-throat nature of the A-League finals series.
It’s no doubt a reason why Mombaerts – who is no certainty to remain at the club next season – places more emphasis on City’s regular-season form, rather than what they do in a finals system that gives more than half of the competition the chance to be called champions, in determining the success of the campaign.
“For me, the best is to reach the best position (on the ladder) in the championship,” City’s French mentor said.
“It’s to be consistent during a long period in the championship.
“For me, it’s a very good season We reached the (FFA) Cup final, we finished second, the best position (ever) for Melbourne City, also the (best) number of points (47).
“Jamie (Maclaren) is the Golden Boot, with Sydney we also have the best attack, so there are a lot of things that show that we have done a very good job all together.
“Now if we can reach a grand final and also win a grand final, it would be perfect ,,, but at the moment it’s already a very good season and I want to congratulate all the players.”
The 65-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain coach was reluctant to discuss his City future beyond this season despite speculation he would return to Europe.
“I just want to finish this season,” he said.
“It’s not the moment to answer this question. My situation is less important than the team.
“The situation with coronavirus ... it’s hard for all, and we have analyse the situation with calmness and serenity. We are doing this when we finish the season.”
Of the two teams, United have had the much busier schedule since the competition resumed last month, playing seven matches compared to City’s three.
But United coach Mark Rudan claimed that would benefit, rather than hinder, his team.
“Although it’s tough, we enjoy playing games rather than not playing games,” Rudan said.
“We’ve got continuity, we’ve got the ability to get those minutes spread throughout the whole squad, which is important for us as well.
“I just feel when you’re playing a lot of games it’s actually better for you to play, rather than having long periods (without playing).”
However, Rudan did reveal that United had asked for last weekend’s elimination finals to have both been played on Saturday, rather one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
United were forced to play their match against Brisbane Roar on Sunday night, meaning they have had the shortest turnaround time of the four teams involved in Wednesday night’s semi-finals.
“It’s been a tough journey for us. We’ve done this the hard way, we’ll continue to do it the hard way,” Rudan said.
“Whatever challenges are thrown are way we’re going to have to embrace it and take it on. We’re not looking for an easy ride and we don’t want one either.”
Originally published as A-League 2020: Melbourne City coach Erick Mombaerts says ladder position more important than finals glory