Shake-up at City as club looks at ‘culture’

AFTER a few weeks of supposed rifts between players and coaches at Melbourne City, coupled with the recent trip Down Under of the club’s big wigs, assistant coach Michael Valkanis has been shown the door.

With partner clubs all over the world, Manchester City were rumoured to be less that happy with the way the team has started this campaign.

Warren Joyce was quoted as saying: “We’re just looking to build a culture here and a philosophy and we’re looking to work towards that, so unfortunately he’s lost his job”.

As a head coach it’s not unusual to bring in your own staff. I wondered why Joyce didn’t do this immediately. Having trusted lieutenants is paramount.

■ A VERY average performance for the Wanderers saw them go down to the Roar 2-0. It may be too early to say we’re watching history repeat, but when Gombau took charge of Adelaide United they only managed to win one game of their first nine and the sharks were circling. Fast forward and they ended up winning the competition playing some amazing football. With Popovic bedding down a defence-first mentality, it will take time for the Wanderers to adapt to Gombau’s Barcelona footballing mantra.

How much time he will be given is anyone’s guess.

■ CONSISTENCY kings are what Sydney FC are again this season. Despite their hiccup against the Mariners in round 6 they have already claimed the FFA Cup and have now surged to be five points clear of the chasing pack brushing aside the Reds in Adelaide to claim a 1-0 win.

The biggest question is whether Graham Arnold will see out the season. In my opinion a no-brainer for the top job, having knowledge and respect.