Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip is looking forward to returning to AAMI Park for this weekend’s clash with Perth Glory.
Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip is looking forward to returning to AAMI Park for this weekend-s clash with Perth Glory.
Following an opening loss to the Central Coast Mariners, the Club has shown considerable improvement in successive fixtures, but a victory has so far proved elusive.
However, the former Dutch international said Heart-s return home could provide the perfect tonic to help propel the side towards its first win.
“I think after being two games away, it-s good to be back and playing in the wonderful stadium we have, so of course the players and staff are all working for those three points,” he said. “Hopefully we can be successful this Sunday.”
Despite conceding first, Heart displayed great resilience during its two week away trip, drawing back on level terms in Newcastle and twice clawing goals back against Adelaide before succumbing to a late winner.
Van ‘t Schip has been heartened by his team-s ability to work its way into a contest, saying it indicates a win isn-t too far away.
“We-re coming nearer to three points every time. Of course, the start hasn-t been what we expected but there have been good signs, as well as things we have to improve,” he said.
“We have talked about this with the group and hopefully we can take the next step against Perth who are in a good flow and will not be an easy game.
“I think if you look at the three games we have played, we have had to come back from behind. The positive thing is the boys fight back, as we saw against Newcastle and twice in Adelaide.”
However, van ‘t Schip emphasised Heart will need to remain vigilant, particularly against Perth-s potent attack.
“We must make sure not to concede goals too easily as I think against Adelaide and the Central Coast, the organisation in those moments was not good.”
Van ‘t Schip believes Glory-s early season form has proven the team from the West is a side to be reckoned with, saying his team will need to maintain its composure.
“(Perth) are very organised in midfield and defence, don-t give a lot of chances away, but we-ve seen also there are possibilities against them,” he said.
“They like to break out very quickly as well and with Fowler, they have the extra dimension in the team as he is a very intelligent, smart player.
“You have to be patient and concentrated, especially when we have the ball and we lose it, and that-s what we have talked about.”
Melbourne Heart FC v Perth Glory
Sunday, 29 August 2010
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 5pm AEST
Referee: Kurt Ams
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 3 and FS3 HD. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 774 ABC (Melbourne), SEN Digital and 882 6PR (Perth). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Melbourne Heart FC squad: 1. Clint BOLTON, 2. Michael MARRONE, 3. Brendan HAMILL, 4.Simon COLOSIMO, 6. Matt THOMPSON, 7. Rutger WORM, 9. Gerald SIBON, 10. Wayne SRHOJ, 11. ALEX TERRA, 12. Peter ZOIS, 17. Jason HOFFMAN, 18. Ante TOMIC, 19. Eli BABALJ, 21. Kliment TASESKI, 22. Nick KALMAR, 23. Dean HEFFERNAN, 24. Aziz BEHICH
*two to be omitted*
In. Kliment TASESKI, Ante TOMIC
Out: 5. Michael BEAUCHAMP (ankle – 2 weeks)
Unavailable: 15. John ALOISI (hamstring – 1 week), 20. Josip SKOKO (hamstring – 4-5 weeks)
Perth Glory squad: 1. Tando VELAPHI, 2. Josh MITCHELL, 3. Jamie COYNE, 7. Jacob BURNS (C), 9.Robbie FOWLER, 10. Michael BAIRD, 11. Branko JELIC, 12. Scott NEVILLE, 14. Steven McGARRY, 15. Howard FONDYKE 16. Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17. Todd HOWARTH, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20. Aleks VRTESKI, 22. Anthony SKORICH, 23. ANDRIJA JUKIC
*one to be omitted*
In: Howard FONDYKE (promoted), Anthony SKORICH (promoted), Michael BAIRD (Universitatea Craiova) – subject to provisional registration
Out: Jamie HARNWELL (Calf – 2-3 weeks), Mile STERJOVSKI (ankle – 2 weeks)
Unavailable: Andy TODD (knee- 1 weeks), Victor SIKORA (hip- 5 weeks), Chris COYNE (On loan – 12 weeks)
