Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce says a reshuffle in shape was not the cause of his side’s 3-1 loss at home to Perth Glory on Friday night.
City slipped to a third defeat in four matches as Osama Malik’s first half sending off contributed to a frustrating night at AAMI Park.
Joyce surprisingly moved the in-form Nick Fitzgerald to the right side of defence, while Bruce Kamau started on the left of midfield in an attempt to reinvigorate the team’s faltering form.
“We were trying to be more attacking. We had more attacking players than we’ve had on the pitch this season,” the City boss told Fox Sports.
“People have said we have been pragmatic and not creating chances. We went for it tonight.
“It hasn’t worked but I don’t think it’s because of those reasons.”
Despite being reduced to 10 men, City were the dominant team for much of the second period and looked capable of producing an equaliser until Fitzgerald coughed up a cheap third for Perth.
“I think the second half shows a willingness to keep going for one another and to work and an attitude to turn it around,” Joyce said.
“That’s all the players can do and I think they showed that tonight.
“The other games, the performances have been good.”
