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Sports - Football

Caputo thriving as City balance A-League and Asian demands

Max Caputo says Melbourne City’s demanding mix of A-League and Asian football has fast-tracked his growth ahead of the derby clash with Victory.

Melbourne City.
Melbourne City. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Melbourne City striker Max Caputo says a heavy schedule across domestic and Asian competition has accelerated his development, giving the young forward regular exposure to elite-level football.

City heads into Saturday night's Melbourne derby at AAMI Park after a rare clear week, with no AFC Champions League Elite commitments interrupting preparation. The break is expected to help City freshen up, but Caputo believes the relentless run of matches earlier in the season has already paid dividends.

The 20-year-old has scored six goals across all competitions and said playing every three days, particularly in Asia's top club tournament, has sharpened both his game and his mentality.

He explained that constant exposure to high-quality defenders leaves little time to dwell on results, forcing players to reset quickly and approach each match with full focus.

Caputo said the experience has been especially valuable for younger players, who are learning to manage physical demands and mental resilience at the same time. He added that the mindset required in continental competition carries directly into league matches.

With a full week on the training pitch, Caputo is confident City can again overcome Melbourne Victory, having claimed a 2-0 win in last month's derby. He said the squad's belief comes from a strong group mentality and trust in their football when executed at a high level.

City sits fourth on the A-League ladder, six points behind leaders Sydney FC, with a game in hand. Victory, despite a 2-1 home win over Adelaide United last weekend, remains bottom of the table.

Victory defender Sebastian Esposito said that result would count for little if his side failed to back it up in the derby. He acknowledged the team's slow start to the season but said the win had restored confidence, with the focus now on building momentum rather than relief.


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