Melbourne City’s barren run in front of goal has stretched to three games in succession, but coach John van’t Schip isn’t panicking just yet.
City have scored just two goals in 2015, in their 2-1 win against Western Sydney, while failing to hit the back of the net in four other matches for two losses and two draws.
Van’t Schip’s side has fallen to seventh on the ladder on the back of the dry spell, but the coach is confident the drought will be broken with some patience and a bit more luck.
“I would be more worried if we weren’t creating anything, not dominating and not playing in the opponent’s half,” van’t Schip said on Thursday.
“Statistics show us that that’s not the case.
“There’s always periods in a season (where that happens). I remember not long ago we had 18 games in a row where we were scoring goals, so we should not make an issue of those things.
“We’ve had the opportunities, we’ve had the chances and we’re creating them, but it’s just having patience and being more calm in the moments that we get there.”
City don’t have a player in the top 10 scorers in the A-League this season with Aaron Mooy leading the club with four.
Van’t Schip has had to deal with more than his fair share of injuries, including the long-term absence of Irish winger Damien Duff, but he remains confident there are plenty of goals to be had from the attacking options he still has at his disposal.
Australian marquee signing Josh Kennedy is yet to find the net in three games for his new club, but van’t Schip is pleased with the progress his striker is making after an extended period on the sidelines.
“Both Josh and I know that he’s not 100 per cent yet,” he said.
“What he showed in the first half (of the 0-0 draw against Perth Glory) is promising. He has to get fitter and stronger and he’s on his way to that.
“We also have to be careful because we know that he’s coming from a long period of not playing. Expectations on him are high, but he has very high expectations on himself.
“I think we’re going the right way with him.”
savic
Guest
Then the whole cycle of buying/ adopting someone else's success will be complete.
pete4
Guest
Probably a couple reasons for it: 1. FFP 2. Melbourne Storm own a 20% stake in the club
tommaso
Guest
looking forward to next year when MC can turf out the dead wood players and get better players in and so they should be a formidable side in 2016
Franko
Guest
Looks the goods.... http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/27/a-league-melbourne-city-training-base Perhaps the only concern "The A-League side will lease the facility from the City Football Group (CFG)" - So Melbourne City, as it were, dont own the asset.
RIP_Enke
Guest
Looking good, gonna miss the wheelie bins..........nah, not a bit.
pete4
Guest
Got to say Melbourne City's new $15m training facility looks 1st class
Stevo
Roar Rookie
We've lost Melling and Duff, Duga not ready to go yet, and have not seen Willo do much in front of goals and Jesus is looking better with every game but I think AU has more to offer scoring wise. Need for Koren to step up and bag something tonight and looking forward to Mooy again doing good stuff in the middle. Should be a good game.
Franko
Guest
If they can't score tonight they have big problems. Adelaide will be lucky to get 4 defenders on the park....! Gombau: “But we have players that can (do the job if necessary). Elrich can play at centre back, or we can play with three at the back depending on what the game demands. In this moment, this role of a central defender (can be) covered by Elrich or (Ben Warland). " So it's either towering Tarik Elrich (at 5"11) at the back, who mind you has been exceptional at left back so why not try another out of position slot. Or it's Ben Warland who, bless his cotton socks, doesn't yet have a wiki page...!!! Hopefully Warland gets the nod and plays well, he captained the Joeys at one point and Gombau is always banging on about bringing local talent through. Malik and Boogard won't be back next week, so he has the chance to string a couple of games together. ....Still Josh Kennedy must be licking his lips..... This one could be a goal-fest.