Melbourne Heart FC head coach John van ‘t Schip is looking to maintain his side’s buffer over fourth place on the table ahead of tomorrow’s match against the Central Coast Mariners.
Melbourne Heart FC head coach John van ‘t Schip is looking to maintain his side-s buffer over fourth place on the table ahead of tomorrow-s match against the Central Coast Mariners.
Having faced Perth Glory on Sunday, Heart faces a difficult task over the coming four days, lining up to face last season-s Grand Finalists in consecutive matches.
However, the schedule hasn-t tempered the Dutchman-s ambition, who is keen for Heart to remain in touch with the top two, refusing to used it as an excuse for compromised performance.
“We had a good run and we have some points ahead of all the other teams. So we must try to keep that gap,”he said.
“We are having this (difficult) week now but other teams have maybe had it in other parts of the season.
“It’s certainly going to be a hard task for us physically and mentally. Three games in six days is something that (affects) your body and also your mind.”
Van ‘t Schip concedes though the Central Coast remain a formidable opponent that is becoming an increasingly difficult to break down.
“They are different (to Brisbane last season) but they are very effective,” he said.
“They can also easily play for a draw. They don’t lose that easily. They are always there creating chances so they are always in the game.”
“It’s up to us now to pick up the challenge and give them a hard day.”
