Hear from coach Gary van Egmond, as he discusses last week’s loss and changes for the Adelaide game on Friday.
It has been a big week for all of us here at the Newcastle Jets.
Every week they give their all and are on their way to reaching the level that we know they can attain.
Saturday-s game against the Brisbane Roar held mixed emotions for both myself and the entire coaching staff.
The Jets walked out onto the pitch showing affirmation and commitment to what we are trying to achieve each week, which is to create opportunities and hold greater periods of control, which can ultimately win us the 3-points when the whistle blows at full time.
There were promising signs that our unbeaten record at home would stay intact going in with a lead at the stroke of half time. I commend the players for their attitudes going into the game and not getting caught up in all of the hype that surrounded it.
Unfortunately, the Roar came back in the second half applying the pressure hard and direct and resulted in their two goals to take out the game. The result was disappointing for us,and not because it was the Roar, it doesn-t matter who your opposition is, when you fight for the win.
I want to thank the crowd for their show of support, all 13,174 of you. Our Members showed their passion for the Jets loud and clear for the full 90 minutes. You all feel like part of the Newcastle Jets team.
This proves that opposition A-League teams who face us on home turf don-t enjoy the experience – Ausgrid Stadium is again becoming a fortress for the Jets.
With our focus now on playing Adelaide United this Friday at Hindmarsh Stadium, we are working with the players on implementing what we did well while also determining and building strength on where we fell down.
We have to prepare for a difficult game against the Reds; Hindmarsh has not been kind to the Jets in the past, but with their on-field efforts this past weekend it shows they are ready to prove their critics wrong and bring home a win.
Their confidence is building, but consistency is the key with the basics of winning the ball.
We may have a few team changes, the most obvious is Matthew Nash returning to the side just in time to replace Ben Kennedy who has been ruled out following his collision in Saturday-s game, and Michael Bridges is also coming along nicely and hoping to return to the field very soon.
With all this said, I just want to say that the past few weeks back as Head Coach of the Newcastle Jets has been rewarding and truly satisfying. The Jets are on their way and I am excited to go there with them.
Gary van Egmond
