Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio revealed head coach Aurelio Vidmar rang a few home truths at half-time of their clash with Brisbane Roar.
Despite being heavy favourites for the game City found themselves behind at the break thanks to a lacklustre first-half showing which saw Brisbane leading through Asumah Abubakar’s 9th minute goal.
However a much-improved City came out firing in the second-half and levelled things up in the in the 57th-minute thanks to Tilio’s sublime solo effort before striker Max Caputo made it 2-1 just four minutes later.
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Against the run of play, Brisbane made it 2-2 when Keegan Jelacic’s deflected strike found the back of the net however the home side sealed all three points in the 85th minute thanks to Argentinian defender German Ferreyra’s header from a corner.
“Yeah, we copped an earful at half-time and it was very much needed,” said Tilio when speaking to Paramount+ after the game.
“I think we were sloppy when we got out there first and foremost and pretty much were trailing the game at half-time.
“So Viddy (head coach Aurelio Vidmar) obviously said a few words and we knew that it was an important three points in general for us tonight.
“So we knew we had 45 minutes to turn it around and I’m really happy we did.”
The result moves Melbourne City up into second spot on the ladder and now just three points behind league-leaders Auckland FC who play Sydney FC on Saturday evening at Allianz Stadium.
For Tilio, that equalising goal takes his tally to the season for four and the 23-year-old believes he’s finally hitting his stride after an injury-disrupted campaign.
“I think it’s just consistent gains and confidence,” said Tilio when asked about his recent performances after the game.
“I feel I’m at that level now that I’m confident in myself again and in my body, and I know what I’m capable of doing.
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“It’s just getting the trust from the coaches and my teammates that I’m able to sort of contribute the way I’m supposed to in the front third and I just sort of feel like I can flourish with some of the older boys behind me, giving me confidence as well.
“So over the last few weeks, it’s been sort of like that, and I just want to keep building going into finals now.”
Up next for City is a crucial clash against fellow top six side Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium on Saturday April 19.
