Melbourne City faces defining A-League clash against Newcastle Jets

MELBOURNE City coach John van’t Schip has labelled Sunday’s visit to Newcastle Jets as a defining game for the club if it wants to win silverware.

Melbourne City's Robi Koren in action in the match between Manchester City FC's and Melbourne City FC at CBus Stadium, Robina, on Saturday. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

MELBOURNE City coach John van’t Schip has labelled Sunday’s visit to Newcastle Jets as a defining game for the club if it wants to win silverware.

City capitulated at home to the Jets six weeks ago, letting a two-goal lead slip, but has had a revival since, winning three and losing just once and scoring 15 goals in the process.

Marquee player Robert Koren returns at the venue he scored a hat-trick at last season to bolster City’s attacking depth, though he’s likely to start on the bench.

Van’t Schip hoped City could exorcise their demons from their last encounter.

“We want to show that was a mistake. We want to go there and get the three points,’’ van’t Schip said.

“There was too much of a difference between the first half and the second half.

“If we want to be a team that is going to go for the top spot, then you have to have a more consistent pathway in your results. That’s why the game against Newcastle is very important.

“We will know on Sunday (if they’re mentally stronger). Then our team has to grow and get results more consecutive. Now we have a poor result, it’s all again the same story.’’

Koren has not played since injuring his calf in the Round 2 loss to Melbourne Victory, hence City will exercise caution with the Slovenian.

With the Bruno Fornaroli, Harry Novillo and Aaron Mooy-led attack starting to click, van’t Schip made no promises to Koren.

John van't Schip says Newcastle Jets clash will help gauge City’s form.

“Of course, we’re happy that Robi is available again,’’ he said.

“It’s coming up on almost two months not playing so it’s about seeing how we can start getting him playing.

“He’s made a good impression the last days in the training sessions so we’ll just have to see how and when we can play him in some minutes.

“It’s now about the competition and showing that you really deserve to play. The boys are doing well, it’s now waiting for your chance.

“That’s only good, we need that competition and if Robi wants to get into the team he has to show he’s ready for that.’’

Van’t Schip said the recent 5-1 wins had lifted dressingroom morale but said they were still striving to improve.

“It helps a lot with confidence but we’re still working on a lot of things we feel we have to improve,’’ van’t Schip said.

“We’re very happy with the things we’re doing well, of course scoring goals and creating chances, going forward, playing some exciting football.

“On the other hand we also know we have to work hard on other things that will make us a stronger team.’’

Originally published as Melbourne City faces defining A-League clash against Newcastle Jets