Derby no mystery to import

CITY defender Bart Schenkeveld’s eight years in the Netherlands have taught him one thing about soccer derbies: it’s all for the fans.

After making his A-League debut in City’s round-one win over Brisbane, Schenkeveld will get his first taste of the Melbourne derby in Saturday’s anticipated encounter.

The Dutch international has plenty of experience in fierce rivalries during his time in the Eredivisie, which included stints at Feyenoord and PEC Zwolle.

“The biggest that I played was Feyenoord against Ajax. These derbies are really huge in Holland,” Schenkeveld said on Wednesday. “My old club PEC Zwolle against Go Ahead Eagles, is also a derby but a little bit smaller.”

The rivalry between Feyenoord and Ajax, known as De Klassieker (The Classic), often attracts crowds in excess of 45,000. The Melbourne derby at City’s home ground of Etihad Stadium regularly draws more than 35,000.

Schenkeveld insists the primary objective is to claim the three points on offer for a win, but knows the real victory belongs to the club’s supporters.

“For me, we have to realise what it means for the fans as well,” he said.

“It is for us another game. We have to get three points but we have to realise for the fans, it’s much more important. If they win, they can walk into the city with a bright smile.”

The 26-year-old turned in a solid display partnering Iacopo La Rocca in a new-look City centre defence against the Roar, connecting on a teamhigh 94 per cent of his passes.

City also claimed one of just two clean sheets across the round, however Schenkeveld pointed out the importance of continuing their strong start to the season.

“(Brisbane) did not have a lot of chances. Everybody did his job and it was great,” he said. “The derby, we have to go for the three points, for sure.

“After the derby, we have three-four games that on paper say nothing, but I think we have to win and then we have the teams like Sydney, Western Sydney. Before you go to these games, you need to have a lot of points.”