He hadn't played in 109 days, but David Villa clearly hasn't lost his touch, the Spanish striker scoring on his A-League debut for Melbourne City. The goal wasn't enough to give his side a win as they shared the points with Sydney FC.
New Melbourne City marquee import Robert Koren pictured at the Docklands. Source: News Corp Australia
WHILE David Villa stole the headlines on his debut, Melbourne City’s genuine marquee looks set to be unveiled in Sunday’s home clash with Newcastle Jets.
Melbourne City marquee Robert Koren. Source: News Corp Australia
Slovenian Robert Koren was a late withdrawal after picking up a calf strain in an intra-club, leading into the opening round draw with Sydney FC
But the midfielder could make his debut in front of a record non-derby home crowd at AAMI Park, with the club hopeful of cracking the 10,000 membership mark by kick-off.
Koren, who signed a two-year deal after joining from English Premier League club Hull City, will resume full-scale training this week in a bid to be selected by coach John van’t Schip.
“That was a big disappointment for all of us, especially for him, after a long pre-season and then getting a little injury on his calf,” van’t Schip said.
“Hopefully he can be there next week depending on how his progression goes, but we’ll have to see that day-by-day.’’
While Villa has hogged the headlines since arriving last week, van’t Schip said signing Koren for two years was crucial for the ambitious club.
The former West Brom attacker was capped 61 times for Slovenia and played in the 2010 World Cup before retiring in 2012.
David Villa made a hige impression on his debut last weekend. Source: AFP
Van’t Schip predicted a big season from a player he said was still hungry, and said his versatility will help City’s star-studded attack, that included a top performance from fellow new signing, Irishman Damien Duff.
“Robbie is very ambitious, he wants to prove himself in Australia, he’s got a lot of football left in him and it’s good to have this player who’s committing to the club for two years and we’re happy that he’s with us,’’ he said.
“He played the whole pre-season in midfield but also played up front.
“He even played one game up front in a false nine role, a bit like Harry played last season in his last games.
“Robbie can play in a number of positions, he’s very versatile and we’ll see how we work that out.’’
City’s record non-derby home crowd was for Alessandro Del Piero’s AAMI Park visit and Lucas Neill’s controversial debut, which attracted 13,752.
City officials were predicting a crowd of between 12-15,000, with the membership tally standing at 9,250.
Captain Patrick Kisnorbo, who played with South Melbourne in the NSL, was excited and said it was a sign of the game’s progress.
“The game’s come a long way for stuff like this to happen, and it’s great for the sport and great for Melbourne,’’ Kisnorbo said..
“If we can get that crowd and have a sellout (at some stage), it would show how far the game has come.’’
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