Heerenveen aim to turn the tide

It has been an autumn of struggle for SC Heerenveen, but victory over FK Ventspils on Wednesday could take them through to the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League and help them end the year on a high.

Disappointing run
Heerenveen have lost both Group D home games 3-2 to Sporting Clube de Portugal and Hertha BSC Berlin, reflecting a season in which they lie 14th in the 18-team Eredivisie with 17 points from as many games. However, victory against their eliminated Latvian visitors coupled with home defeat for Hertha by group winners Sporting would leave Heerenveen as runners-up and with a chance of improving on their best European runs to the UEFA Cup last 32 in 2004/05 and 2005/06.

Vital week
Jan de Jonge took over from Trond Sollied as coach in August soon after the Norwegian had led the Super Frisians to victory in the Dutch Cup. It was the club's first major honour and earned them a 15th consecutive season in UEFA competition. Now, with the visits of Ventspils and then, next Wednesday, PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Cup, their campaign could be revived.

Ill luck
De Jonge, who is likely to be without midfielder Michal Švec due to his calf injury, said: "The match against Ventspils is not only important for us but for the reputation of Dutch football as well. I can see the progress in our game, but unfortunately results are still not very good. Luck is not always on our side as well, as I think we concede too many goals in the late stages of matches. But I'm still satisfied with the form of my players. The positive thing is the club announced I will continue to be at the helm until the end of the season. I think this might give some extra confidence to the players."

Belief
The need for a morale boost was echoed by captain Michel Breuer, who admitted the squad had let their heads drop of late, with defeats by Heracles Almelo and Feyenoord in their last two games. "Recent results have not been good, but it's really down to bad luck," the defender said. "We hit the post then concede at the other end – that's a typical match situation for us. This certainly doesn't give you extra confidence, you can describe it as psychological difficulties. However, I still believe we will win. We have to. I also believe there could be a miracle in Berlin, where Sporting can defeat Hertha."

Warning
De Jonge, however, issued a warning about the side that held Heerenveen 0-0 on 1 October. "A lot of people underestimate Ventspils," the coach said. "Defensively they are very strong and they can be dangerous on the counterattack. Both Sporting and Hertha experienced big problems against them; I don't expect an easy match."