Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van’t Schip says the quality and character of his team is growing, but the visit of Hyundai A-League leaders Brisbane Roar will call for both concentration and caution.
Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van-t Schip says the quality and character of his team is growing, but the visit of Hyundai A-League leaders Brisbane Roar will call for both concentration and caution.
Momentum favours the Red and White following wins in 2014 over Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC, Perth Glory in Albury and a comprehensive away win over the in-form Wellington Phoenix last Sunday.
However, in Round 20 this Sunday van-t Schip-s men face their toughest assignment yet, against Mike Mulvey-s Roar – who are licking their wounds and looking to bounce back after a third defeat of the year against the Newcastle Jets.
Click play on the video below to watch the full press conference with John van’t Schip
While van-t Schip is aware Sunday will be a difficult game, he believes he knows what his side has to do to challenge the Roar.
“I think the quality and the character of the team is very good at the moment, we just have approach the game against Brisbane very concentrated, because they are the best playing team in the league,” van-t Schip said.
“They can really make it very difficult for any opponent when they have the ball, so we have to concentrate, play our own game and keep the momentum going to keep our game improving.
“You-re not going to stop them because they have their way of playing; you have to try to make it difficult for them.
“They will have their moments for sure because it is a team that can outplay almost every opponent in the league and we have to just make sure we are prepared.
“It is going to be a very hard game also because they are coming from a 1-0 loss and they will try to prove that they are the best team.”
Brisbane head to AAMI Park with one of the league-s most talented squads and if Melbourne Heart has any chance of securing a fourth straight win, stopping deadly duo Thomas Broich and Besart Berisha remains a key priority.
However, van-t Schip has his own attacking weapon in striker David Williams who has scored five goals in his last three appearances, including the Club-s first-ever hat-trick last week.
“On Sunday he improved a lot; David I think is a talented player, but with his talent he can bring a lot more,” van-t Schip.
“I have a lot of trust in him and for the team; he is important if he can bring his qualities together with a good working attitude.
“He has done well in the position of Harry so he will play there again Sunday.”
In team news for Melbourne Heart, Harry Kewell will miss the game again through injury, as will the suspended central defender Robbie Wieleart.
Starting this Sunday, Melbourne Heart have four of their next five games at AAMI Park, something van-t Schip believes will provide the Club-s fans with great entertainment, but will not change his side-s preparation for the contest.
“Every game is important… we know that we are continuing on working and getting better and trying to get better,” said van-t Schip.
“I know we will not always have the game [that] will go the way it went on Sunday [against Wellington] but we have also showed when we have problems and difficulties we can overcome… we came back from behind every time.
“We are trying to improve our game plan and the way we play and that was also the way we approached the game in Wellington.
“Every game is different and Sunday will be a difficult game and different game as well.”
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Match Details
Hyundai A-League Round 20
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Melbourne Heart FC vs. Brisbane Roar
AAMI Park, Melbourne
