Socceroo Shines Once Again After Coach’s Impactful Half-Time Talk

Melbourne City winger Marco Tilio disclosed that head coach Aurelio Vidmar had some candid words for the team during the half-time interval of their match against Brisbane Roar.

Although City entered the match as heavy favourites, they found themselves trailing at half-time due to a sluggish first-half performance, with Brisbane in front following Asumah Abubakar’s goal in the 9th minute.

However, a much more spirited City emerged after the break, equalising in the 57th minute thanks to Tilio’s dazzling individual effort. Just four minutes later, striker Max Caputo put City ahead at 2-1.

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In a twist of fate, Brisbane leveled the score at 2-2 with Keegan Jelacic’s deflected strike finding the net. Nevertheless, the home side clinched all three points in the 85th minute with a header from Argentinian defender German Ferreyra off a corner.

“Yeah, we definitely got an earful at half-time, and it was exactly what we needed,” Tilio remarked in an interview with Paramount+ post-match.

“We were quite lacklustre when we first came out, and we ended up trailing at the break.

“So, Viddy (Aurelio Vidmar) shared a few words with us, emphasising how crucial these three points were for us tonight.

“We knew we had 45 minutes to turn things around, and I’m really pleased we managed to do so.”

This result elevates Melbourne City into second place on the ladder, now just three points behind league leaders Auckland FC, who are set to face Sydney FC on Saturday evening at Allianz Stadium.

For Tilio, his equaliser brings his season tally to four goals, and the 23-year-old feels he is finally finding his rhythm after a campaign hampered by injury.

“I think it’s all about building consistency and regaining confidence,” Tilio said when reflecting on his recent form.

“I feel like I’ve reached that level where I’m confident in myself again and in my body, and I understand what I’m capable of achieving.

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“It’s all about earning the trust of the coaches and my teammates, knowing I can contribute the way I’m meant to in the attacking third. I’ve felt I can truly thrive with some experienced players behind me who bolster my confidence as well.

“It’s been a gradual process over the last few weeks, and I’m eager to keep building as we head into the finals now.”

Next up for City is a pivotal encounter against fellow top-six contenders Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, April 19.