A-League: Aaron Mooy says Melbourne City must start winning again if it wants to impact finals

MELBOURNE City star Aaron Mooy has warned his team that it was time to get the skates on if they want to make a finals impact.

MELBOURNE City star Aaron Mooy has warned his team that it was time to get the skates on if they want to make a finals impact.

A 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory leaves fourth-place City winless in three games and six points behind leaders Brisbane Roar with eight games left.

City hosts bottom-place Central Coast Mariners in a game Mooy has labelled “must-win” for a club chasing the championship trophy.

“We want it to start happening as soon as we can, there’s not that long to go in the season, only eight games, which will go very quick,’’ Mooy said.

“The derby was a must-win but considering the (Anthony Caceres) red card we’ll take the point. But we’ve had three games without a win so next week is definitely must-win.’’

Mooy praised the performance of Alex Wilkinson in his 65-minute debut and hoped his Socceroos teammate could help solidify a team that’s been largely reliant on individual attacking brilliance.

Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes could be available this week, while fellow defender Connor Chapman could return within a fortnight.

“It’s always disappointing when you’re leading and you let it slip, especially when it happened so quickly in the second half, we didn’t hold them out for long at all,’’ he said.

“We’ve got Bruno and he’s finishing everything for us and we’ve got quality attacking players, one chance and it can be a goal.

“Alex did a good job in his first game, so hopefully we can build on that and help the team a lot.

“We were decent in patches but not for long periods. It was a tough game, the derby’s always hard and the sending off killed us a bit. Defending for the last 12 or so minutes.

Aaron Mooy in action during Saturday night’s Melbourne derby. Picture: Getty

“Hopefully before the end of the season we get everyone fit and available and on the park.’’

Mooy said his role changed slightly when coach John van’t Schip reverted back to the 4-3-3 formation from a 3-5-2, but hoped the players would adapt either way.

“It’s the coach’s job to pick the system, we just try and implement it as best as we can,’’ Mooy said.

“It’s a bit different for me, I have to do more defensive work in this system compared to the last one, but I have no problem with doing some dirty work.

“I don’t feel the difference that much, you just want everyone to feel comfortable with what they’re doing, everyone knowing their roles and jobs, hopefully that will help the team get results.’’

Originally published as A-League: Aaron Mooy says Melbourne City must start winning again if it wants to impact finals