Former England, Inter Milan and Liverpool coach Roy Hodgson has undertaken a mentoring role for City Football Group which involves consulting coaches and players at Melbourne City for the remainder of the season.
Hodgson arrived in Melbourne last night and spent his first day at City’s training ground today and has already exchanged pleasantries with players and the coaching staff.
City coach Michael Valkanis explained Hodgson will be working as a consultant to him and assistants, Joe Montemurro, Joe Palatsides and goalkeeping coach Joey Didulica.
“We’re able to ask him whatever we require and he’s a man with a wealth of experience,” Valkanis said.
“That can help but players are available as well. Players are already having a good chat to him as well in the canteen area. I’m sure he’s got of football stories and knowledge.
“It’s fantastic, that’s why it’s so good being part of this City group, part of this club and having the opportunity to sit down today and speak to Roy Hodgson.
“It’s great when you’re able to get many football people together, what should have been I was a bit late to a meeting, a 10 minute conversation ended up being one hour.
“We had a great day with him already today and so much we can take away from him.”
Hodgson’s last game in management was for England in the nation’s famous 2-1 loss to Iceland in the 2016 Euros.
City goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis was involved at Liverpool in Hodgson’s short stint in 2010 – 2011.
Hodgson will be in the stands in tomorrow night’s game against Adelaide United with Director of Football Michael Petrillo.
City could potentially welcome back Michael Jakobsen from a calf injury he sustained eight weeks ago as well as Osama Malik who returns from suspension and Neil Kilkenny who had a lower back injury.

Valkanis aims to play Jakobsen in order to gain fitness for the finals.
“He’s going to bring leadership qualities at the back and being able to organise people in front of him and around him,” he said.
“Just like he did at the beginning of the season when he was playing. He also brings that insurance because he’s an important character amongst the group. His personality brings a lot of belief to the group when he’s at the back.”
City are currently fourth and can potentially break into third if they defeat the Reds tomorrow night and Perth Glory away next week, but need Roar to fall at the final two hurdles.
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