By Emma Burke. 8/12/23
Above: Melbourne City manager Dario Vidosic Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City Women’s head coach Dario Vidosic sat down with media this morning to discuss his team’s return to the park after a two week break for an international window.
City remain the only team in the Liberty A-League yet to lose a match and now they host Perth Glory at B.T. Connor Reserve in round seven, which was initially meant to be played at their permanent home of Casey Fields, moved due to building delays on site.
“We want to dictate the game, and we go out to win, nothing changes, we don’t look at the table,” said Vidosic.
Perth Glory are currently seated at second on the ladder, just underneath City, who currently have a three point clearance.
“We respect Perth, we know they’ve had a good season and I’m sure they’ve used the two weeks to prepare for us.”
“If we dominate the ball like we usually do, then we take away their attacking threat.”
Perth’s attacking threats consist of players such as New Zealand international Grace Jale, and Susan Phonsongkham, who both have three goals apiece so far this season.
Alongside focussing on getting their next three points, City will also be looking to see how their international and youth national team players have returned from their time with their respective teams.
“Once they’re away then we let them concentrate on their national team duties, the only time we tell them to reach out is to let us know if they’re injured,” said Vidosic on his national team players.
“The fact that my phone has been quiet for those two weeks is good news.”
One player on the return is Captain and New Zealand defender Rebekah Stott, who has been crucial to City’s defensive performance this season. Stott played a full 90 minutes in their first game against Colombia but was not named to the team sheet for the second meeting.
“When we saw that she wasn’t in we were a little bit concerned but we got news pretty quickly that there was a bit of illness, that’s why they gave her the rest,” he said regarding his Captain.
“We’ll assess her, and all the others and make a decision for tomorrow.
Melbourne City take on Perth Glory at B.T. Reserve on Saturday 9 November, kicking off at 4pm.
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