John van ‘t Schip has expressed his sympathy for sacked colleague Phil Moss and says Melbourne City FC must be wary of a Central Coast Mariners side under new management when the two teams meet on Sunday.
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The 2012-13 champions announced on Friday they had parted company with Moss after just 15 months in charge, with technical director Tony Walmsley taking over as interim coach for the remaining eight matches of the Hyundai A-League season.
Van ‘t Schip claimed he won’t be altering his plans for the trip to Gosford on Sunday, but is expecting to find a home team in something of a state of flux.
“No, it doesn’t change,” he told reporters when asked about the impact of the shock dismissal on his own side.
“I think of course it changes a lot for them. For us it doesn’t change. It’s always dangerous playing against a team that has a new coach. There’s a new kind of energy.
“I feel sorry for Phil. It’s never nice to get sacked. And especially for him, his first head coach job. I wish him all the best.
“Coming back to Central Coast, [they will play] with a different energy. The players will be different.
“It could work out well, it could work out not good. It’s up to us to do the things we have to do and make sure we’re prepared for everything.”
Former Brisbane Roar FC player Massimo Murdocca could make his 200th A-League appearance if he gets minutes for City in Gosford, prompting van’t Schip to praise the contribution of the veteran midfielder, who also featured for Carlton and South Melbourne in the National Soccer League.
“He’s always been a great team player,” the Dutchman said.
“When he plays like he did on [Friday] he’s a big help to the team.”
There could also be a debut in the competition for Harry Novillo, the French forward signed on an injury-replacement deal as cover for Damien Duff.
“He’s young, he’s strong,” Van ‘t Schip said of the Lyon academy graduate.
“It’s now up to us to see how we can use him in the best way possible. He has to show his worth for us and he will get his chance.”
