Van ´t Schip takes Heart

Melbourne Heart coach John van ‘t Schip denies his side’s hopes of a top-two finish in the A-League are slipping away.

After recording five straight victories during the festive season, Heart are winless from their past three encounters suggesting their best form has come and gone.

Heart remain third despite their home loss to Perth Glory on Sunday but their credentials as title contenders will be severely tested when they face top sides Central Coast and Brisbane Roar, followed by a trip to Wellington, within the next week.

“It’s the way it is. We are having this (difficult) week now but other teams have maybe had it in other parts of the season,” van ‘t Schip said.

“It’s certainly going to be a hard task for us physically and mentally. Three games in six days is something that (affects) your body and also your mind.”

Van ‘t Schip was quick to point out that finals are still two months away when asked if Wednesday night’s clash against the Mariners at AAMI Park was season defining.

“No I don’t think so at all. Of course we know if we get some results that makes it a lot easier (to make finals),” he said.

“If it isn’t the case we know we are back in the big pot of all the teams that are fighting for play-offs.”

“The season is by far not gone. Even if we lose the coming two games, which I am not expecting, we are still in a good spot to go into the finals.”

Van ‘t Schip said his team understood their winning streak came against a run of out-of-form teams and would not last forever, especially with stars Aziz Behich, Mate Dugandzic and Eli Babalj set to join the Olyroos squad.

“We had a good run and we have some points ahead of all the other teams. So we must try to keep that gap,” he said.

“That’s going to be a hard task with the schedule and the players that are leaving to go to the Olyroos.”

Heart will avoid making drastic changes to the team that lost 2-1 to Perth Glory on Sunday, although Babalj is battling to overcome soreness and could miss out.

“Eli has some physical things that we are taking care of. That’s why he didn’t train today – he only did the warm-up,” van ‘t Schip said.

“He has a longer recovery time and he could be in doubt to play tomorrow.”