This week Gary van Egmond talks about how the team are adjusting to his style of play, as they prepare to host Sydney FC.
It was obviously disappointing to come home from the Central Coast without any points last weekend. I-m not one to sugar coat or ignore the outcome of the game, but I am also not one to get consumed by past events and things that we cannot change.
In this case it-s mind over matter for the boys and their away game drought. Hopefully in the coming weeks we will be able to prove to our Members, fans and the Hunter Region that we are able to win away from home.
Our performance over the weekend wasn-t one of our finest. I have seen the boys play much better football, especially in the last few weeks. The boys have been adjusting well to my high intensity style of play and I think that against the Mariner-s, the Derby just got the better of us.
If there is a team in the A-League that can adapt to my style of play it is the Jets.
Over the last few weeks they have been displaying quality football and I feel that they are more than capable of improving and growing further as a team and individuals – and I look forward to being a part of it.
This Saturday we host Sydney FC and I anticipate it to be another hard match. Sydney has a lot of high quality footballer-s in their side and we will not be taking that lightly. However, we do have the advantage of our “twelfth man” – you, the home crowd – alongside us.
We-ll ensure the game maintains a high tempo throughout and force as many errors as we can. Controlling the match on Saturday night will be detrimental in stealing the victory. Playing in the opposing third of the field and creating as many goal scoring opportunities is our aim.
I have been developing the boys- patience and decision making with the ball especially in the attacking end of the field. However, it is our defensive line up that must remain tight. We cannot afford to lose concentration; if we do, Sydney will steal a victory from us.
Our sights are still fixed on making the top four. We are only sitting two points off the pace so our odds are looking good. The team is hungry for a 2011/12 championship and I hope that we can deliver one.
If we put in the hard work now and get a few wins, home and away, under our belt we will be looking good.
Gary
