Ahead of a massive Hyundai A-League clash with his former club Roar, Luke Brattan believes Melbourne City are starting to exhibit the mentality of champions after their 2-1 win over Adelaide United last week.
City held on against the Hyundai A-League title-holders last Friday to stay within three points of leaders Sydney FC by the end of Round 4.
It was a significant win for City, as it was only the second time in the club’s history – including the Melbourne Heart era – that they managed to triumph immediately after winning a derby against Melbourne Victory.
In Round 2, City thrashed Victory 4-1 but then lost 3-2 at home against Perth Glory the following week.
Having then defeated Victory again in the FFA Cup, City showed they are improving their consistency by knocking off Adelaide.
“It was massive,” Brattan told Goal Australia.
“[Beating Adelaide] was bigger than the derby, I think, in terms of results. We needed to back up after Perth, and I think we’re trying to change that mentality.
“We’re trying to win every game, dominate every game and I think that’s the mentality that we want in the club. We want winners and, ultimately, we want trophies.”
Brattan, who missed out on Ange Postecoglou’s final Caltex Socceroos squad on Wednesday, has been brilliant for City so far this season.
So much so, he was included in the October team of the month by www.a-league.com.au.
Hyundai A-League Team of the Month: October
The 26-year-old leads City for chances created (10) and has exhibited a greater versatility.
Having made his name as a defensive midfielder while at Brisbane Roar, Brattan has generally lined up as a box-to-box midfielder in the 2016/17 Season, while against Adelaide he played as the central attacking playmaker behind centre-forward Bruno Fornaroli.
Despite claiming he “got a little bit lost” as a number 10, Brattan enjoyed the experience.
“I started off as a six in pre-season and then started the season as an eight – so a little bit higher – and then again I was higher as a 10 next to Bruno. I enjoyed it,” he said of last week’s match.
“I enjoy being a little bit higher but I think I’ll be eight most of the season.”
Brattan added: “I’ve slotted in pretty well. It’s easy when there’s good players around you. It makes your job a lot easier and I’m just loving it.”
City’s next match is away to his former side Brisbane Roar on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
