Bruno Fornaroli on collision course with Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce after shock axing

The probability of coach Warren Joyce and Bruno Fornaroli both being at Melbourne City next season is slim after the superstar striker’s shock axing.

Bruno Fornaroli celebrates a goal with teammate Riley McGree against Wellington. Picture: AAP

The probability of coach Warren Joyce and Bruno Fornaroli both being at Melbourne City next season is slim after the superstar striker’s shock axing.

The Herald Sun understands Joyce dropped Fornaroli at the weekend ­because of concerns about his skinfolds.

A home loss to Newcastle Jets on Sunday night could pile pressure on Joyce.

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Fornaroli has a cult following among the City faithful and his omission came after a stunning goal against Wellington Phoenix in the previous game.

Joyce and Fornaroli, 31, are both out of contract at the end of the season and Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Brisbane Roar has turned the blowtorch on the club.

City refused to comment yesterday except to say several factors were involved in the decision. The first-team squad returns to training on Tuesday.

Bruno Fornaroli was dropped for City’s clash against Roar last Saturday. Picture: AAP

Fornaroli is City’s most marketable and highest-paid player, believed to be earning about $1.5 million a season.

There were suggestions Joyce had been considering having Fornaroli on the bench.

Fox Sports commentator Mark Bosnich said the Uruguayan’s omission from the team sheet raised questions.

“I’ve got no problem with any manager deciding to pick a team that’s going to win, but when you leave out one of your best players, why isn’t he on the bench?” Bosnich said.

Joyce was tight-lipped after the Roar game.

“You’re just picking the team to win the game. You just look at the opposition, you look at us training, you evaluate everything and you pick a team to win the game. That’s it,’’ he said.

“We’ve had two weeks to prepare. You watch the training, you talk to the staff, you look at numbers in training and then you evaluate to pick a team to win.’’

The pressure is piling up on City coach Warren Joyce. Picture: Getty Images

Tim Cahill, Neil Kilkenny, Fernando Brandan, Ross McCormack and Luke Brattan are among the high-profile players dropped by Joyce in his 14-month City tenure.

Fornaroli has appeared to lack the fire in recent games that he had in his first two seasons at the club.

He missed the bulk of last season because of a broken leg, returning to score six goals in 12 games.

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