Having spent the A-League's shutdown studying the strengths and weaknesses of his side, Melbourne City Head Coach Erick Mombaerts is eagerly awaiting the end of the "too long" break in play.
Following the announcement of the A-League's return, City's playing group returned to the training track on Tuesday afternoon - taking part in organised sessions with teammates for the first time since the competition was suspended in March.
Unlike a number of A-League clubs, City did not stand down its playing group during the shutdown, meaning that there was a greater level of coordination available between the club and its players compared to some of their rivals.
And it's seemingly paying dividends, with midfielder Josh Brillante, speaking to media on Wednesday, remarking that testing conducted by the club's training staff pegged players fitness levels at roughly an equivalent level to week eight of the club's pre-season.
“I have to congratulate our players," Mombaerts said.
"They respect the physical program we have sent to all of them. Honestly, they are at a good athletic level.
"It’s more about they lost a bit of technical ability because they didn’t touch a ball for a long time. It’s also about combination play, it’s not at the level we had when we finished in March so we have to work more on this. But that’s normal. Physically they are at a good level.
“[During the break] we analysed the game statistics that showed we had good strengths but also some weaknesses.
"As we did this during this break we can work to reinforce our strengths, that’s the main way, but also reduce our weaknesses – especially in defensive set pieces for examples.
"They’re a weak point for us, we can focus on this, maybe also in defensive turnovers.
"We didn’t have holidays, we stayed concentrating and analysing. No holidays or vacation. It was a good break, it was too long, but it was a good break to analyse and improve what’s going on."
Citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 - the virus had yet to reach its peak in Australia at the time - Mombaerts remained in Melbourne when his side travelled to New South Wales to play Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets prior to the A-League's suspension.
However, with the virus' spread increasingly contained and restrictions put in place by Federal and State Governments beginning to ease and City's remaining regular-season games against Western United, Adelaide United and Sydney FC are increasingly likely to be played in Melbourne.
And even if they're not played in Victoria, City's gaffer is now comfortable enough to declare himself a full participant.
"Honestly, I'm not worried about this coronavirus," Mombaerts said.
"I think the situation is not so bad in Australia, we are lucky to be here. The situation is ok. You do have some cases here but it's not so bad, the situation is good in Australia.
“There's a chance we have to play our last three games at home that is good. But I think now if we have an away game I can travel. I can do this now."
That there is a season to even complete is a welcome development for both Mombaerts and his club.
Fracitcious relations between players and owners marked the early stages of the A-League's shutdown as parties struggled to adjust to the rapidly shifting landscape and now, even with a return date announced, broadcasting details for the remaining games remain unknown.
Numerous reports have indicated that Fox has walked away from the remaining three seasons of its broadcasting deal, although FTBL understands that negotiations to broadcast, at minimum, the remainder of the 2019/20 season remain ongoing.
“It wasn’t easy but I was confident that we would have a chance to restart," Mombaerts reflected on Friday.
"In this situation, we can’t control it. We need to be patient and be confident with the authorities. First, the health authorities and the government because it starts like that and after the broadcast and the FFA.
"Honestly, I’m very happy that we can now play football again. That was the most important. It was a long time but I’m happy we can now play football again."
Related Articles
Leckie seals new marquee deal as Good, Maclaren head to Asia
Contentious 'Caceres Clause' to be phased out of ALM
