John van ‘t Schip: We have to look at ourselves

John van 't Schip with Captain Fred
Photo: George Salpigtidis Herald Sun

Ahead of Friday night’s must win game against a young Gold Coast United side Melbourne Heart coach John van ‘t Schip has told the media that his side needs to focus on themselves not the opponent. The head coach also stated that that winning is essential.

 “We have to focus because we know where we want to go to. If it was Gold Coast, Brisbane, Central Coast, whoever the three points are essential for us and not looking at names of the opponent, we have to look at ourselves.”

The Dutchman went onto say that his side needs to be in the form they were in at the end of 2011.

“Any opponent now is not the important thing, the important thing is to pick up where we left just before the New Year started and start collecting points.”

Despite an expected Gold Coast United squad to face van ‘t Schip believes it will be a tough game due to pass meetings.

“We have played then two times now and two times we have had a lot of difficulties so we know that it is a tough opponent.”

The 48-year-old also believes that all of his players need to bring more to the side.

“In general I think we all have to give more. The youngsters have done well but also the youngsters have had their problems for the past few weeks and every player knows if they are looking to themselves that they have to bring more.”

On the injury front van ‘t Schip still hasn’t decided to play Captain Fred who is coming back from a serious Groin injury. The Brazilian played 30 minutes in the NYL last weekend but van ‘t Ship said: “We will see tomorrow if he is going to be a part of the game.”

Matt Thompson however will be part of the squad but it still remains whether or not he will play any part on Friday night.

“We are going to see how he feels tomorrow and then I’ll make a decision,” van ‘t Schip revealed after training.

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