Melbourne City defender Bart Schenkeveld says his side is treating every match as important as the last as they look to maintain pace with the leading pack in the A-League.
City’s 1-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners opened a five-point gap to their opponents who sit one spot below them on the ladder and the Dutchman has sights on chasing down league-leaders Sydney FC this Friday.
With six points separating City and Sydney on the ladder and the teams going head-to-head this Friday night, Schenkeveld is wary that wins over the Central Coast and Newcastle in the past two weeks is just as important as a win over the reigning Champions.
“It’s one of the most important games because if we win, we are only a couple of points behind and if we lose, it creates a massive gap which will be a lot to chase,” Schenkeveld said.
“The last game, Sydney scored once to win the game. I don’t think they were necessarily the better team and it was an even game. We did a really good job against the Central Coast. We dominated and I hope we can continue against Sydney.
“Every game is important as the last and Sunday [against the Central Coast] was one of them. We won and now we face Sydney.”
Schenkeveld has not only been one of the best performers for City this season but is arguably one of the in-form players of the league but the defender was keen to focus on the success of others, particularly the young players in the squad.
“There are a lot of young lads that are really good here and I think someone like Nathaniel [Atkinson] got his chance and did well,” he said.
“It’s important if you have trust in their ability. Maybe he can do a lot more things for us in the future games.”
City face Sydney FC on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, kick-off 7.50pm. See the match on Fox Sports 501.
