After starting his first match since Round 2 on Saturday, Zenon Caravella says he is focused on regaining his rhythm.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Zenon Caravella says he is focused on making a positive impact for the Jets over the coming weeks after making his first starting appearance since Round 2 against Perth Glory at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
After starting in central midfield in the Jets- opening two matches of the 2013/14 campaign, Caravella has been used primarily as an impact player off the bench in recent weeks.
The 30-year-old former Gold Coast United and Adelaide united midfielder was recalled to Newcastle-s starting XI for the Jets- 1-0 loss to Perth Glory on Saturday.
Caravella said his 58 minutes on the pitch against the Glory would give him a good platform to build on for the coming weeks.
“I thought I was solid, but not anything special,” Caravella said.
“I just want to get out there, get minutes and find my rhythm, because I haven-t continual game time.
“If I can get some rhythm I-m sure I-ll be able to contribute to the team.”
Caravella is likely to get the opportunity for more playing time while his Jets teammates Josh Brillante, Connor Chapman, Andrew Hoole and Adam Taggart are away on international duty at the AFC U-22 Championships in Oman.
Caravella admitted he had been frustrated by his limited game time so far this season, but was focused on making a big impact over the next few weeks starting this weekend against Melbourne Victory.
“It-s frustrating for any player not to be playing, but that-s what the competition within the squad is for, to push players along,” Caravella said.
“You have to come to training and put the effort in still and keep going.
“Now that the other boys have gone away, it-s time for the people that weren-t playing to step-up and try to fill the gaps.”
Caravella said the Jets will take confidence from their 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park earlier this season.
“We played them in Melbourne earlier in the season and did very well against them there and won, so there-s no reason we can-t do that here at home on Friday,” Caravella said.
“They-ll definitely be feeling the pressure now after the last game they played (a 3-0 loss at home to Brisbane Roar).
“There-s a lot of pressure on them and it will be interesting to see how they rebound from that.
“I just think we need to keep structured. We-ve been very well structured in the last 10 games, we-ve had great discipline and we stuck to the game plan.”
With the Jets sitting in sixth spot at the halfway mark of the season, Caravella believes it is a crucial period coming up for the Club as they look to nail down a spot in the Hyundai A-League Finals Series.
“You can lose your spot really quick,” Caravella said.
“It-s very congested there in the middle of the ladder and with two or three wins, you-re right back up there, but a couple of losses and the pressure is on again.
“It-s like that every year, it-s very up and down in the A-League, but if you keep consistent, you can climb up the ladder pretty quickly.
“We have to get points, especially after losing to Perth because we missed out on three valuable points there.
“It-s up to us and we-ve got the team to do it, so we just have to get stuck in on Friday and go from there.”
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Friday, January 10
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.30pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
