Football
AAP 6y

Tim Cahill move rumours 'tittle-tattle' - Melbourne City boss Joyce

Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce has refused to answer questions about his reportedly strained relationship with Tim Cahill, amid speculation the Socceroos' veteran could be looking for a move.

Joyce said he had not even spoken to Cahill since he completed his international commitments on Wednesday night and didn't know when he would be available for A-League duty again.

Cahill wasn't considered for selection for City's 3-1 defeat to Brisbane Roar on Friday. But he was the hot topic of the night after a story emerged just before kickoff that alleged his relationship with Joyce was at "breaking point".

It comes after Cahill blindsided Joyce following the Socceroos' World Cup qualifying playoff win over Honduras by saying he had some "big decisions" to make about his future as he attempts to earn a spot in the squad for Russia 2018.

Joyce dismissed questions about the report, but did not clarify the nature of his relationship with the 37-year-old when given the chance.

"I don't see where that one comes from," Joyce said.

"I'm here to talk about the game anyway, to be fair. All the tittle-tattle that's gone on this week is tittle-tattle."

Pressed again on the issue, he said: "Once again, I'm not really here to talk about Tim.

"I think there's been enough conversations this week, I've answered every question that's been thrown at me. I'm here to talk about the game."

Joyce said the speculation had not bothered the team as they slumped to their second loss of the season against Brisbane, who snapped a six-game winless run, courtesy of two goals from Avraam Papadopoulos.

"It can't affect you if you don't know anything about it," he said.

As well as missing Cahill, City were also without injured star striker Ross McCormack (Achilles) and midfielder Marcelo Carrusca (calf).

McCormack is likely to return for next week's home clash against Perth Glory. But Joyce said Carrusca might take a little longer to recover from a training ground mishap.

Although Joyce was pleased with his side's intent, he said they were rightly punished for the three bad defensive errors that led to the Roar's goals.

"I don't think there was many chances created against us but you can't expect to win any game and give three goals away like that," he said.

^ Back to Top ^