LaLiga World: Have heard of 'Yellow Army', says Melbourne City FC captain

Australian sportsmen have a reputation of being cocky. The footballers of Melbourne City FC seem no different at first sight. The predominantly Aussie team are in Kochi to take part in the three-way LaLiga World—India's first ever international pre-season football tournament. The other two teams involved are the hosts Kerala Blasters and Girona FC (of Real Madrid-beating fame) from Spain.

The Australian club arrived first—the Kerala Blasters were away in Ahmedabad for pre-season training—and look confident, if not cocky, ahead of the tournament opener against the hosts on July 24. Their captain, left-back Scott Jamieson, told THE WEEK that they know a little bit about Indian football. “It is on TV in Australia,” said Jamieson. “Not every game, but one or two a week. So, we get to see a little bit. I have only watched Bengaluru FC. But we will do more before the game to see what we are up against.”

Though he has not watched any of the Kerala Blasters's games, Jamieson has heard of their famous fans. “I have heard about the Yellow Army,” he said. “Very loud fans. The manager [David James] is a player who has played in the English Premier League. So, obviously, he is well known. Last year, [Dimitar] Berbatov was here. So, I have read a few things about that.”

He added that he has also been hearing things from his friend at Bengaluru FC—Dimas Delgado. The Spanish midfielder was Jamieson's teammate at Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2015-16 A-League [Australia's premier football competition] season. “He [Delgado] said this club is one of the biggest,” said Jamieson. “Obviously, the owner is one of the best cricketers.” Behind Ricky Ponting, he added with mischief. “We are here now. So, we will hear more about it. We will, maybe, do some analysis before the game. Iain Hume was here. I know about him, too,” he said. But Hume ('Humettan' to the football-crazy Malayalis) will no longer be around, after he and the Kerala Blasters parted ways during the summer.

It is bound to be a real test for the club from Kerala. Melbourne City, coached by former Manchester United Reserves coach Warren Joyce, are fresh from a third-place finish—their best ever—in the A-League's regular season. The club, founded in June 2009, struggled in its earlier seasons, before being acquired by the City Football Group (CFG) in 2014. That is the same holding company which owns English Premier League champions Manchester City, and has shares in clubs in the US, Japan, Uruguay and Spain. Incidentally, Girona FC is also part of the CFG.

Melbourne City's fortunes improved rapidly after the change in ownership. They have finished fifth or higher since the 2014-15 season, thereby qualifying for the finals series in which the top six teams of the regular season compete to determine the A-League champions. They also won their first silverware, the FFA Cup, in 2016.

They have named a strong squad, with most of the first team from last season. This includes star striker Bruno Fornaroli (Uruguay) and Dutch defender Bart Schenkeveld, who was chosen as the club's player of the year last season. The squad also includes a few academy players who have impressed at junior levels. Ross McCormack, the 31-year-old Scottish striker, who was top scorer for the club last season has gone back to his parent club— England's Aston Villa—after his loan period ended.

The other major absentee is Australian star Daniel Arzani, dubbed the next Harry Kewell. The attacking midfielder/winger was given an extended break after the World Cup. He played in all three of the Socceroos matches. One of the biggest names in the squad is Luke Brattan. The 28-year-old Australian midfielder, who was born in England, was signed by Manchester City in 2015. He was sent on loan to Melbourne City the next year and his stay there has been extended twice. He told THE WEEK that not too much has been communicated by Manchester City about his future in England. “I deal with that in the off-season,” said Brattan. “And now I am a Melbourne City player. So, my full focus is on Melbourne City and this season.”

He said that his time in Manchester was career-defining. “It was very good,” said Brattan. “I didn't play many games over there but just training with Manchester City, going on loan to different clubs, realising that football is so different in every country. It was a great experience. Met a lot of great people. Great footballers. It was a great experience and it has helped me in my career to become the player I am today.”

So, who is his favourite among the galaxy of stars at Manchester City. There is only one answer. “David Silva,” he said. “Very good player. Even though he is very small, it is very hard to get the ball off him. Very hard.” His favourite character? “Probably, Fabian Delph. Very funny guy. Nice guy as well,” said Brattan.

So, how was the team dealing with the weather and conditions in India. “Yesterday was really rainy,” said Jamieson. “Really tough. But the training ground [Panampilly Nagar High School ground] was fantastic. Amazing. We were very happy to be training on such a good surface and good facility. Today was a lot harder. The sun was out. We are used to very hot weather in summer in Australia. But now it is winter there. But, we are used to hot weather. So, it is fine.”

If they found the rain tough, how will the team deal with the heavy rains that are forecast in the evenings when they will be playing? “We will bring goggles and a few things for the weather,” said Jamieson.

A bit cocky, after all.