Melbourne star Ivan Franjic says competition for spots is a good thing for City

Melbourne City star Ivan Franjic has welcomed the competition for places that’s ensuing for Saturday’s crucial clash with Sydney FC.

New Melbourne City player Ivan Franjic gets a feel for his new strip, Melbourne. 3rd June 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

Melbourne City star Ivan Franjic has welcomed the competition for places that’s ensuing for Saturday’s crucial clash with Sydney FC.

Former English Premier League duo Robert Koren and Aaron Hughes are pushing for a return to the first XI while Michael Zullo is available after two months out with calf issues.

Midfielder Jacob Melling is also in contention after missing out in last week’s loss to Brisbane Roar.

Franjic, who labelled last week’s first half “unacceptable” said City needed to make a statement against the team they’re above merely on goal difference.

“We’re getting a few players back and there will be some real competition for places this week and it’ll be interesting to see who starts,’’ Franjic said.

“Competition makes every player step up their game, there’s a feeling that if you’re out of the team you might not be back for 4-5 weeks. It’s important we have this and it pushes us to the end.

Ivan Franjic earns a yellow card against former side, Roar. Pic Jono Searle.

“Every game’s important but this week we can send a real statement against Sydney, last year’s grad finalists, and move back up there.

“It’s a must win for us, especially after last week’s disappointment. It’s important to come back and show we’re finals contenders.

“They’re a good team, well organised, we need to be patient, keep moving the ball and wait for the right openings.’’

Franjic hoped there would be a reaction against a Sydney FC side who will be missing captain Alex Brosque (hamstring) and striker Matt Simon, who copped a soft one-week ban for elbowing Central Coast’s Harry Ascroft, though marquee player Filip Holosko returns.

City’s right-back said there were some home truths exchanged after their weekly video session identified gaping defensive holes in the first half.

He said City must race out of the blocks at AAMI Park on Saturday and set the tone for the rest of the game.

“It was a game of two halves and the first half was unacceptable from all of us,’’ he said.

“In our video session we picked up the little things that put us under the pump like not tracking players from midfield and letting players through with ease.

“We need to rectify and we need to start well (against Sydney). We’ve started slow most games and we’re looking for a solid start because at the start of the game the game’s at its highest tempo and we want to gain control early because it sets the tempo for rest of the game.

“Hopefully we can get three points because the boys were buzzing at training and just want to get back out there after last week.’’

Originally published as Melbourne star Ivan Franjic says competition for spots is a good thing for City