Concentration and cohesion key for Melbourne City this weekend

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Concentration and cohesion key for Melbourne City this weekend

By Anthony Colangelo

Melbourne City's men must improve their focus at crucial stages of the game while the women's team will benefit from having their full squad together for the first time this week, according to two of the sides' star players.

City's A-League side lost 4-3 after being up 3-1 away to Brisbane Roar last round, while the star-studded W-League team drew 1-1 in the first round of that competition against underdogs Newcastle.

Josh Brilliante says focus is the key for Melbourne City.

Josh Brilliante says focus is the key for Melbourne City.Credit: Getty Images

Josh Brillante said on Wednesday that City needed to maintain focus for longer in order to avoid a repeat of the Roar result when they play Western Sydney Wanderers away on Friday.

"It was more a mentality thing in the second half and we kind of just lost control of the game, but we looked at the review and we can see in certain positions and certain times how we can act and fix those things," he said.

"Going up away from home you can get a bit relaxed and think you have got the game, but that's not always the case and you have got to be smart."

City maintained top spot on the A-League ladder despite the loss.

Ellie Carpenter says City have benefited from having a full squad on the track this week.

Ellie Carpenter says City have benefited from having a full squad on the track this week. Credit: Getty Images

Brillante said the team was supporting Nathaniel Atkinson and Lachie Wales, who were on Tuesday banned from the Olympics – should the Olyroos qualify – after a misdemeanour in Cambodia.

Meanwhile Ellie Carpenter said City's women's side has had all players training this week, which hadn't been the case in the pre-season due to late signings and international duty. She will play her old side Canberra United on Sunday and said City would have a full-strength squad.

"I am really excited to head back there and play them," Carpenter said. "They have a quality side this year with their internationals and the whole squad is full of depth, it's going to be a good battle."

City announced on Wednesday that Aivi Luik and Rebekah Stott had re-signed for the season only this week.

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