Signing news: Melbourne City appoint Mombaerts as new coach

Widely experienced Frenchman Erick Mombaerts has been confirmed as new coach of Melbourne City on a three-year Hyundai A-League deal.

City confirmed the news early on Thursday morning, with Mombaerts taking over from former boss Warren Joyce.

 “I am delighted to join Melbourne City at this exciting time for the club. I am here to achieve two main objectives – to implement a style of play that gives the team a clear identity, and in doing so to win silverware,” Mombaerts told City’s official website.

“Having worked in both Japan and in Manchester with City Football Group, I know the City style of play inside out.

“It is my challenge now to bring my experience to Melbourne, which has a different set of players and a different football culture, and to apply it so that we can win.

“It is also very important to me that fans can feel proud of how we play, and that they will enjoy the whole experience watching the game.”

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Mombaerts, from northern France, has vast experience as a coach, with stints as  Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain (1987-88), Toulouse FC (2001-06) and Ligue 2 with Le Havre AC (2012-14).

The 64-year-old also had three seasons in Japan including, guiding Yokohama F. Marinos to an Emperor’s Cup final in 2017.

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Mombaerts also took charge of France’s U-18 national team in 2007-08 before progressing to manage the French U-21s from 2008-12.

He has helped nurture the talents of the likes of FIFA World Cup winners Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) and Antoine Griezmann, as well as current Manchester City players Riyad Mahrez and Benjamin Mendy.

“We have some fantastic young talent, some exciting new signings and a solid existing squad,” Mombaerts said of working with City’s roster.

“My focus now is on our pre-season preparation, together with my coaching team, who provide a fantastic combination of local and international experience.

“Our hard work begins today.”

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Melbourne City CEO Brad Rowse added: “We conducted a wide-ranging and rigorous search of candidates in Europe, Asia and Australia, involving extensive background data and video analysis before meeting with Erick in person.

“His experience and knowledge of the game, and his values and passion to help take the club forward make him the ideal person to guide our pursuit of a maiden A-League title.

“Our ambitions remain unchanged; we want to be constantly competing for silverware and playing in the Asian Champions League. We’re confident Erick can help us achieve this.”

Current assistant coach Patrick Kisnorbo will remain in the role, while Neil Young is City’s goalkeeper coach.

After a long playing career in Western Australia and the Hyundai A-League, Young has transitioned into coaching and was most recently at Thai club Buriram United.

City are set to begin preparing for the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Season in early July. ­

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