Possible Socceroos call-up isn’t enough for Melbourne City coach to guarantee Marco Tilio game time
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The appeal of a Socceroos World Cup call-up for young striker isn’t enough for Melbourne City coach to guarantee him time on the pitch in crucial A-League games
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Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo has confirmed that Marco Tilio’s status as a fringe Socceroo seeking a World Cup berth will not guarantee him any A-League playing time in the coming weeks.
Tilio, 21, is pushing for a spot on the plane to Qatar, competing with Macarthur’s Daniel Arzani and Central Coast Mariners striker Garang Kuol as an x-factor attack option.
In a shock to many football fans, Tilio was named as a replacement for Melbourne City’s season opener against Western United on Friday night at AAMI Park, with coach Patrick Kisnorbo choosing Andrew Nabbout and Mathew Leckie as his starting wingers.
It was the first of six games that Tilio has to impress before the Socceroos roster is chosen.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold watched from the stands as Tilio came on for Nabbout after 73 minutes.
Young shooter Marco Tilio is chasing a spot in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad, but was on the bench for Melbourne City’s A-League opener on Friday.
Coach Patrick Kisnorbo stated after the game ‘just because you represent Australia doesn’t mean you are an automatic starter in this (Melbourne City) team’
Tilio ignored a late chance in the 2-1 win.
“I’m going from my gut feeling and players who have done well in preparation and I thought Andy (Nabbout) deserved to play,” Kisnorbo said after the game.
“Just because Marco was picked for the Socceroos doesn’t mean he’s an automatic starter.
“You have to work hard to get into the team and he (Tilio) got his chance. I was happy for him when he came.
“I’ve picked the best XI I think I’ll go to a match. Just because you represent Australia doesn’t mean you’re a good starter on this team.”
Leckie was all over the 2-1 win, while Jamie Maclaren scored and led City’s brilliant press in the grand final replay.
Tilio (pictured right) also ruined a late chance in the 2-1 win over Western United at AAMI Park
It wouldn’t have hurt the City pair as they are also chasing a spot on Arnold’s Socceroos squad.
Barring injuries, Leckie is expected to get Arnold’s nod.
Tilio made his professional debut at age 17 for Sydney FC in the 2019 AFC Champions League group stage against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
He was promoted to the Sky Blues first team for the 2019-20 A-League season.
In 2020, Tilio moved to Melbourne City and last year represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics, where he scored a goal in a 2-0 win over Argentina.
Tilio was also presented with his first Socceroos cap against Vietnam in January.