Propelled by a run of eight wins, Melbourne Heart coach John van’t Schip believes his side can win this year’s A-League championship.
Boosted by a recent 4-0 demolition of Sydney and hosting lowly Adelaide United on Wednesday, van `t Schip said he was convinced of their title prospects.
“I think so, we have shown that we have played against all the teams now and they were all competitive and we had good results, except against Central Coast,” van `t Schip said.
“It’s not that we’re not capable of playing any team here and having problems.
“We have to look at ourselves and make sure we do our things on the pitch and then we are a team that’s very difficult to beat.”
Captain Fred, who went off injured against Sydney, will miss Wednesday’s match but is likely to return for the clash against Perth on January 15.
Meanwhile, Van `t Schip refused to confirm that defender Simon Colosimo, who was called up against Sydney due to an injury vacancy, would return to the starting 11.
“We’ll see Wednesday,” he said. “He did very well against Sydney and we know that he’s there, he’s a professional and he can do a job.”
He hinted Colosimo might have to lift his form to force his way back in.
“The game’s have just evolved in a good way also without him playing.
“The thing is as a squad we’ve got a lot stronger and the younger boys are not (bench players) any more and playing a few minutes.
“They are boys we can just put in the line-up and they will do a good job so the competition is a lot bigger.”
Van `t Schip is also wary of Adelaide under new coach John Kosmina, despite the fact they are second from the bottom of the ladder.
“They are playing fresh and a little bit different and it’s up to us now to find their weaknesses,” he said.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
It’s the final day of the season, a Sunday (Monday, 1am AEST) that can show a range of emotions from all fans. Some might…
The A-League is reeling on the eve of its showpiece finals campaign after NSW Police charged three players with alleged betting offences. The players…
Police allege Macarthur FC captain Uli Davila was in contact with a man in South America to manipulate yellow cards during matches, with Bulls…
So the Mariners enter the second leg of their A-League semi-final against the Sky Blues in the box seat and the Phoenix hold home-ground…
With the breaking news emanating from Wanderland that Marko Rudan has departed the club due to personal reasons, the availability of former Mariners coach…