New boss Erick Mombaerts plans to put his attack-minded stamp on Melbourne City immediately.
Speaking at his first press conference after becoming City’s new boss on a three-year deal last week, the Frenchman, 64, said his priority in his debut season is to turn his City into a side that wins in style.
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“The main objective we want to achieve is to give an identity of play for our team,” Mombaerts told reporters on Monday.
”This is an offensive style of play. It’s difficult to set up on the field, but I’m confident, with the motivation of our players, to set up this difficult style of play.
“I want also to give this identity of play and I hope that our fans will be proud about this. And we want to give an identity of play immediately, not after many years.
“I want to change a lot of things and this identity maybe in a few months.”
Mombaerts arrives at City with an impressive resume, which includes stints at French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Toulouse FC and Le Havre.
He also took charge of the French U18 and U21 sides, where he helped nurture the likes of FIFA World Cup-winners Raphael Varane, Antoine Griezmann and Benjamin Mendy.
But the chance to start a fresh challenge with City Football Group in Melbourne excites Mombaerts, who is charged with helping deliver the club’s first Hyundai A-League title.
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“We work hard to achieve and to win something; to win the title and to reach the Asian Champion’s League. We want to do this,” he declared.
“The best way to do this is to set up our style of play. We are confident to do this.
“We want to win something, we want to achieve and reach this level. The young players need to improve their level. First of all their tactical level.
“That’s why we need to improve our level because our levels are not sufficient at the moment, so we need to change something.”
Mombaerts confirmed the club was still looking to add a number of new faces to the squad, including a wide player and creative midfielder.
His first game in charge of City will come on July 31 when he takes his squad to South Australia for the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 clash with NPL champions Campbelltown City.
