Melbourne City vows to fire against Sydney FC following loss to Brisbane Roar

MELBOURNE City coach John van’t Schip has revealed a stinging reaction from the players to last week’s loss is ­underpinned by an attitudinal shift.

Harry Novillo at Melbourne City soccer team training ahead of Saturday night's clash with Sydney FC. Picture: Nicole Garmston

MELBOURNE City coach John van’t Schip has revealed a stinging reaction from the players to last week’s loss is ­underpinned by an attitudinal shift.

A vocal video analysis was followed by a strong training session after the 3-1 loss to Brisbane Roar, with van’t Schip predicting his near full-strength squad would bounce back in Saturday night’s battle for third place against Sydney FC at AAMI Park.

Former Newcastle United and Fulham defender Aaron Hughes looks set to return to the first XI, while marquee man Robert Koren is nearing his first start since October.

With midfielder Jacob Melling and left-sided Michael Zullo also returning to the squad, van’t Schip welcomed the competition, but wouldn’t make wholesale changes.

Even without injured captain Alex Brosque (hamstring), van’t Schip said the pragmatic Sydney FC would be a tough opponent, but backed his players to respond.

“The players were very disappointed we didn’t get a result and there’s clearly a change in the way they see how we have to go on with our business this season,” he said.

“This week they showed a very good reaction verbally but also physically on the pitch, and if we can bring that ­tomorrow to the game I’m sure they’ll bounce back.

“You always have to deal with an opponent and Sydney FC are a good one, so we have to be on top of our game.

“(Graham) Arnold knows how to get his team organised, they’re very good in breaking down the game of the oppon­ent. They do it by being ­aggressive and professional.’’

Harry Novillo was not sanctioned by the club for his furious reaction at being substi­tuted last week after he was booked for lashing out, but van’t Schip revealed he had talks with fiery winger several weeks ago.

“We all know Harry, I had talks with him a few weeks ago about a few things. If you take a player out and he’s not happy that’s understandable,” he said.

“We took him off because he was on a yellow and we didn’t want to risk (suspension), it’s a decision he has to respect and nothing else. We didn’t make a big point of it.’’

Harry Novillo was more relaxed at training ahead of City’s clash against Sydney FC. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Melling or Koren are set to replace the suspended Paulo Retre in midfield, and van’t Schip was thrilled to have ­options at his disposal.

“Sometimes a player is out through suspension or injury,” he said.

We had our portion (of ­injuries) in the beginning, but now the numbers seem to be getting better and we have more choice, which makes the competition and the team stronger.

“The positions Koren, for example, can play, (Stefan) Mauk has done well, Aaron Mooy, so it’s waiting for a ­moment to step in and that’s the competition we want.”

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Originally published as Melbourne City vows to fire against Sydney FC following loss to Brisbane Roar