Josep Gombau in running with Michael Valkanis for Melbourne City coaching gig

MELBOURNE City will not rush to appoint a new head coach, with City Group executives prepared to spend weeks reviewing local and foreign candidates.

Melbourne City coaching candidates Josep Gombau with Michael Valkanis during their time together at Adelaide United.

MELBOURNE City will not rush to appoint a new head coach, with City Group executives prepared to spend weeks examining the credentials of candidates in Australia and overseas.

As City began the process of finding a replacement for John van ‘t Schip in the wake of his sudden decision to return to Holland to be with his terminally ill father, assistant Michael Valkanis will get the opportunity to impress as he leads the team through the next few fixtures.

But City Group is also aware of the need for a candidate comfortable with the profile that goes with the job in leading City’s multimillion-dollar squad and officials expect a number of highly credentialed and experienced figures to be interested in the role.

Former Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau (left) with his former assistant Michael Valkanis. Both men are in the running to take over as Melbourne City coach.

Despite intense speculation that Josep Gombau is the favourite among Australian-based candidates, the former Adelaide coach has no connection with the City Group beyond working at United with City football manager Michael Petrillo and Valkanis.

If anything it is Valkanis who has the edge, given the opportunity for an effective audition in the role while the global search gets underway.

Gombau was also headhunted personally by Ange Postecoglou to succeed Aurelio Vidmar as the Olyroos coach and join the Socceroos coaching staff six months ago. FFA CEO David Gallop was not available for comment, but it’s understood the governing body would agree to release Gombau from his contract, particularly in the wake of recent precedents.

That includes Paul Okon leaving the Young Socceroos to take the Mariners job last year, and Alistair Edwards quitting as assistant national technical director to coach Perth in 2013.