Girona in Melbourne City’s way

Kochi: Fresh from a 0-6 thrashing at the hands of hosts Kerala Blasters, Australian club Melbourne City FC will be hoping to bag the Toyota Yaris La Liga World pre-season football tournament as they take on La Liga side Girona FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.

Six different players were on the score-sheet as head coach Warren Joyce rejoiced in a comfortable tournament opener earlier this week. A win against Girona who landed in the city Thursday morning would confirm the A-League side as champions of the three-game event.

However, Girona are a far different entity compared to the Indian Super League opponents and coach Joyce is hoping for a more competitive encounter.

“Girona are a strong side. La Liga is very competitive and for them to finish 10th last year shows they have some real quality,” said the Englishman.

Melbourne FC, who are preparing for an FFA Cup Round of 32 tie back home against Brisbane Roar on August 7 had fielded two different XI in either halves against the Blasters and though all six goals were scored from open play, the Blues manager has said they were far from their best.

Girona, on the other hand, are hoping to get a solid start to their maiden tour of India. Aleix Garcia, who will captain the Catalans during the tour said: “Both Melbourne City and Kerala Blasters FC are good teams. Melbourne had a great first game and will be high on confidence.”