Melbourne Heart coach John van ‘t Schip has urged his players to forget about several contentious calls against them ahead of Sunday’s Hyundai A-League clash with the Wellington Phoenix in Morwell.
Melbourne Heart coach John van ‘t Schip has urged his players to forget about several contentious calls against them ahead of Sunday’s Hyundai A-League clash with the Wellington Phoenix in Morwell.
The Heart boss said on Friday he wanted his team to remain focused on the upcoming game despite having some decisions go against his side so far this season.
“They say over the whole season you will get your bad calls, your good calls and until now, we have the impression we are on the wrong side,” the Dutchman said.
“We know how important the start of a season is and it helps you on the way, and it gives you confidence as a team.”
“We are in the beginning (of the season) and having those issues going on and it’s maybe something that will make us stronger at the end, but at this moment we have to deal with it and there’s nothing we can change or do about it. We just have to focus on playing better and getting more results.”
Heart will be without midfielder Wayne Srhoj (suspension), attacker Alex Terra (hamstring) and defender Simon Colosimo (knee) for the clash against the Phoenix at Latrobe City Stadium.
But they will regain attacking pair Mate Dugandzic and Jason Hoffman, who return after featuring for the Olyroos in Olympic qualifiers against Iraq and Uzbekistan, which both ended in draws.
Van ‘t Schip said striker Eli Babalj, who has impressed off the bench in the last three matches and scored against the Mariners, was also putting his hand up for a starting berth.
“His (Babalj’s) influence when he comes on is there. Of course, against Central Coast, he scored a goal and he again looked a little bit stronger and sharper,” van ‘t Schip said.
“We are trying to get him into playing longer and that’s something that maybe will take some more time.”
“We still have to decide if we’re going to start him or let him come in from the bench.”
Van ‘t Schip confirmed left-back Aziz Behich will return to the starting line-up, meaning one of Brendan Hamill, Curtis Good or Adrian Madaschi must make way.
