Last year, Cahill's A-League homecoming raised the roof on expectations at City, but this season there's a decidedly low-key approach to pre-season at the self-proclaimed biggest club in Australia and Cahill hopes it will pay dividends.

The Socceroos legend has set a top-three finish - including AFC Champions League qualification - as a pass mark for the season ahead.

After starting last season by winning the FFA Cup and battling for top spot, City fell away and finished fifth.

Another broom swept through the club over the winter, with incoming manager Warren Joyce joining seven new senior players at the club.

"We're the biggest club (in the league) because of our name and the badge and everything that comes with it," Cahill said.

"Under the pressure of being the biggest and the best last year we should have done better.

"That's just the truth (but) I don't think there's a lot expected this year from (the media or) the public.

"I like it like this because I think some of our players will flourish better."

If City are to start the season as well as last year, they'll have to do it without their two biggest names.

Cahill will be on national team duty and captain Bruno Fornaroli faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

While Joyce was 50-50 on an injury replacement player coming in, Cahill suggested another new face could be on the way.

"I'm confident in the squad and that we've got enough goals in it. I'm also confident we can find someone to come in and help the squad," he said.

"100 per cent Bruno is a massive loss.

"Otherwise we've got players like Brucey (Kamau) that could probably play a role. We've got other players within the team (like) young Braeden Crowley."

Cahill said the team's championship hopes should be assessed properly in December.

"I wouldn't be as ambitious in the fact saying we're going to win everything," he said.

"We'll let Sydney FC and other clubs say that. We've just got to stay in our lane and see what goes on.

"There's a lot of new players and a new manager. We've got to adapt as soon as possible. We've got to cruise along and see where our basis lies after 10 games."