The A-League enters hiatus for the AFC Asian Cup 2015 between January 7-24 and the Club will train at the New York University campus in Abu Dhabi and play two friendly matches during this period.
Melbourne City FC will challenge Arabian Gulf League leaders, Al-Jazira at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on January 11.
The mid-season camp will provide Head Coach John van’t Schip with the perfect opportunity to plan, solidify and focus on the remainder of the Hyundai A-League campaign, which recommences on February 1 with a home clash against Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park.
“This camp in the UAE will be a great opportunity for our team to continue to play matches against high-quality opposition, train at a high-level and maintain our fitness,” van’t Schip said.
“It will also allow new players, such as Josh Kennedy, and players returning from injury such as Robi Koren to further gel with our existing playing group and work together on our goals for the second half of the A-League season.”
Melbourne City FC will fly to the UAE with Principal Partner Etihad Airways.
Melbourne City FC captain Patrick Kisnorbo said: “We are looking forward to spending time in Abu Dhabi training in a high quality, professional environment and playing against excellent opponents.
“It will help our players to gel further as a team and we are all looking forward to the challenge.”
Melbourne City currently sit in sixth position in the A-League with 16 points after 13 games. To see them in action against Al Jazira, tickets are free and kick off is at 7pm on Sunday 11th January.
Melbourne City FC Abu Dhabi Camp Details
Depart Melbourne – Abu Dhabi: Thursday 8 January 2015
Camp at New York University – Abu Dhabi: Friday 9 January – 21 January 2015
Match Details
Mid-Season Friendly
Sunday, 11 January 2015
Al-Jazira vs. Melbourne City FC
Kick-Off: 7pm
