Confidence has grown in the Melbourne Heart FC camp after two wins in 2013 according to Club captain Fred, but the team cannot rest on its laurels.
Confidence has grown in the Melbourne Heart FC camp after two wins, according to Club captain Fred.
But the team cannot rest on its laurels heading into this Sunday-s clash against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, the Brazilian midfielder has warned.
Despite collecting maximum points in two matches in 2013 against the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar – which has boosted the Red and White back into the top six – Fred believes Frank Farina’s Sky Blues will provide a difficult challenge.
While Heart is growing in confidence and seeks a third consecutive win, it has had a tricky spell on the road this season and is yet to win a match outside of Melbourne.
“We come from two wins and we are more confident now and I think it is very important to get the three points over there and to keep [in the top six] on the table,” Fred said.
“Everyone is getting happy again and confident to play and it-s always good to get another win, especially if we play away.”
Speaking to the media following a training session at Heart-s La Trobe University in balmy conditions, Fred said that discounting the Sky Blues, despite their lowly position on the table, would be dangerous.
“I think they are a good team, especially when they go forward we have to pay attention,” Fred said.
“I think everyone can beat everyone [in the league], especially with Sydney on the bottom, they are a very strong team and I think we have to be careful when we play there and we have to take advantage of when we have a chance to finish.”
While Fred struggled to shake niggling injuries earlier in the season, the midfield maestro has grown in confidence with his teammates, having scored twice in the past four matches.
“I feel good and I feel confident, it-s good when you score… I hope that i-ll have more chances now and keep scoring,” Fred said.
While Heart will be without the suspended David Williams and the outgoing Michael Marrone, Fred said his side had plenty of cover available for selection.
“I think we have a enough good players to cover them, everyone in the group is very important, our team sticks together now, when we win we-re getting confident now and everyone is fit and everyone can do a good job on the field.”
