Joyce wants creative City against Phoenix

THERE are two distinct views of Melbourne City’s season so far, and one that coach Warren Joyce (above) clearly prefers.

There is the glass halfempty approach, which says City was lucky to win the derby, outplayed by Central Coast and embarrassed 3-0 by Sydney FC in three ALeague outings.

And then there is the long view, where Joyce takes into account pre-season and FFA Cup games, surmising that City has played “10 games before that this season and lost one”.

It is for that reason that City is not likely to shake up its tactics before tonight’s visit by Wellington, despite its last-out mauling by the Sky Blues.

Joyce has decided one bad night at the office, at the hands of the Premiers Plate holder, will not force him into major changes.

“I don’t think many people had a really good night last week. You’re looking for a reaction from all of the players this week,” he said.

“At least (at training) there’s been a bounce back. At least we’ve shown some pride in the training performances and it’s been a competitive week.”

Joyce admitted to being gobsmacked by City’s lack of competitiveness against Sydney, which, indeed, was only its second loss in 11 matches since the start of the preseason.

City can expect to encounter a wall at AAMI Park, with Phoenix defender Andrew Durante revealing firstseason coach Mark Rudan had ordered “a reaction” after its 3-0 home defeat last weekend at the hands of Western Sydney.

“The most disappointing thing was we were too open. We tried to go at them too much, which opened our lines too much,” Durante said. “If we get it right defensively I can’t see anyone hurting us.”