Melbourne City manager John van ‘t Schip remains unfazed about the lead up to Saturday night’s Melbourne Derby being dominated by David Villa’s premature departure from the side.
The superstar sent shockwaves around the club and league this week when it was revealed that he’d be departing City earlier than expected, with his last game being next Friday night’s clash against Adelaide United.
Villa was initially meant to complete a 10 game guest stint with concludes with the club’s Round 10 fixture away to Western Sydney Wanderers.
However Villa’s owners, New York City are desperate to see their star acquisition back in the States during November in order to complete promotional duties at the expense of City.
There still is talk that he will make a return in December to complete his 10 game guest stint however there is no certainties of this eventuating.
Much of Friday morning’s press conference at City’s Bundoora training complex was dominated with questions relating to the Spaniard with van’t Schip “there is no use” in being dissapointed at his departure while stressing that he is “focused about one thing and that’s the game this weekend”.
He also denied suggestions that the news has left some of the squad demoralised with the club already reeling after it emerged that marquee man Robert Koren will be out until December with a calf injury.
When asked if he was annoyed by the continuous talk surrounding David Villa and his departure, The Dutchman said he loved it.
“To be honest it’s great, not only for you guys but I think for everybody,” he quipped.
“To talk about a player with that pedigree, being with us and playing with us and being that humble and very kind to everybody here…and we pay that back to him.
“We also know that it’s for a short period and hopefully in the future we can have those kinds of moments still going on.”
While acknowledging that it will always be difficult in attracting players of the calibre of Villa Down Under, van’t Schip said that “with the resources and the backing we (City) have now, we have a whole lot more possibilities on what we can do.”
“I know that when you get a player in like him, there will be attention. Internally are focus is with every player, not just David.”
The 50-year-old former Dutch Assistant Coach also responded to questions relating to the club’s vacant Australian marquee position.
With the likes of Joshua Kennedy and Mark Bresciano being touted as potential targets, van’t Schip was careful not to give too much away as speculation intensifies that the club with sign a big name Socceroo for the remainder of the season.
Another name thrown into the mix is none other than Socceroos star Tim Cahill with JVS adding that while being at the end of his career “he is still fit and adding a lot of value, he’s a player we talk about as well.”
While most bookies see the likes of Bresciano and Kennedy as more realistic possibilities, van’t Schip comments today will be music to the ears of fans left disappointed by the early departure of Villa.