Melbourne City

City had second consecutive disappointing campaign under Jolly, once again results were impacted negatively by manager’s character that saw him fell out with key players. The main issues were the boring displays. Logically in the summer the Englishman was sacked and replaced with French specialist Erik Mombaerts, who was in charge for the last 3 seasons of J-League outfit Yokohama Marinos. Mombaerts comes as a coach willing to use aggressive tactics and his favourite formation is 4-2-3-1. That said during his last year in Japan he was also seen using 4-2-4 and scoring goals has never been an issue for the teams he has managed. The new boss was brought in to reshape the squad dramatically and even before his arrival 7 of last season’s regulars had left. Mombaerts had to find support for signed in February centre forward Maclaren and to do that he brought to the team 2 Uruguayan wingers and Englishman Noone, he can play as supporting striker or out on either wing. The main issues seem to be in the heart of the midfield where veteran Griffiths, returning after loan in Holland Genreau and newcomer Brillante seem to be the only options. That said wide midfielders Atkinson and Berenguer were used in central roles in pre-season and they obviously will be alternatives. Bouzanis also comes back from loan in Holland with the promise to be the new main goalkeeper after the retirement of Galekovic. Austrian centre-back Windbichler should be the main man in defence. City also have a handful of bright young players that Momaberts is expected to use regularly and in general the team’s depth seems to be good.