Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar called for the A-League Men competition to expand immediately to 16 teams at his pre-game press conference ahead of the Melbourne Derby. He said the change would lengthen the playing season and increase competition among teams.
Vidmar's call for 16 teams
Vidmar said: "I think the narrative with South Melbourne has been really positive. In my view, you need four (more) teams in the league ASAP."
He also said: "If we could have 16 teams it would be absolutely perfect."
His view on the schedule
Vidmar said: "I don't think we have enough games, the pre-season is too long."
Flashscore reported that Vidmar said the expansion would extend the length of the playing season and increase competition among teams.
Vidmar said: "If you had 16 teams, I think 30 games home and away plus finals is more than enough and I think those teams I've mentioned would be absolutely competitive in this competition."
The four clubs he named
Vidmar named South Melbourne, Marconi, Sutherland Sharks and Adelaide City as four suggested additions.
Of those four clubs, Vidmar said: "Bring 'em in. It'll make the competition much better."
What he said about Adelaide City
Vidmar said: "It's really good that they're on the national stage again, I heard the President talk about the number of Socceroos that came through Adelaide City (during the NSL era)."
Flashscore reported that Vidmar singled out Adelaide City as one "ideal" club to bring into the A-League, if they had aspirations to come into the A-League.
Vidmar said: "They would probably be an ideal team, if they had aspirations to come into the A-League. The more the merrier, for me. It doesn't matter (where they come from)."