It was painful at the time but Melbourne City coach John van `t Schip says the seeds of his side’s A-League revival were sown in their 5-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix.
As international marquee Robert Koren prepares to make his debut in the Melbourne derby, it’s the unveiling of a different personality that is set to shake up City.
Out is John van `t Schip – Mr Nice Guy.
In is tough-talking, no excuses, results at any cost van `t Schip.
“There’s a different approach after the Wellington game,” he said.
“We didn’t get the results that we expected.
“The time of giving players a lot of confidence didn’t bring what we are looking for.
“So our approach (now) is different.”
The immediate response was some axe-wielding at the selection table – with five dropped including striker David Williams, defender Robbie Wielaert and goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.
“It was time to see if we could change some things with different players,” van `t Schip said.
“The results are of course important, the expectations are higher and for that, the approach of playing is also different.
“We look who’s training good, who’s in form, who is giving us what we think we need to get results.”
The new approach has won approval from Massimo Murdocca, who said van `t Schip had “finally stepped up as coach” in a revealing interview with SEN radio.
“Most of the leadership comes from the coach and John van `t Schip has really picked up his act and stamped his authority in the last three weeks,” he said.
“We always respected him, but the respect has gone up a bit more.
“Sometimes you have to be real aggressive (and) it’s not in his nature, he’s a gentleman, a great person and to see that side of him come out in the last few weeks, it’s what the club needs right now.”
City have also been heartened by the inclusion of Koren for the first time, who will be eased into an attacking midfield role.
“He can’t play 90 minutes so we have to see what’s the best,” he said.
“If he’s going to be playing for the start or coming in, we have to see tomorrow.”
The addition is clearly a boost but in keeping with the new tough guy regime, van `t Schip took the opportunity to issue a warning to the rest of his side.
“Of course it’s going to help the team but only if everyone is doing the things they have to do personally first,” he said.
“(Others) thinking he’s going to do the job for them would be a big mistake.”
Damien Duff will miss the derby with a calf injury but van `t Schip hopes the Irishman will be fit to play Perth Glory on Boxing Day.
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