Newcastle Jets midfielder Ben Kantarovski said the team were “bitterly disappointed” following Friday’s loss to Brisbane Roar, however believes another solid week on the training track ought to have the squad in good shape for Saturday’s visit of Western Sydney Wanderers.
Kantarovski put in a strong display in the engine room for Phil Stubbins’ side last round, but acknowledged that losing against Roar at the death after fighting back from 1-0 down to be on the verge of a 1-1 draw left he and his Jets teammates deflated.
“It was a solid performance,” Kantarovski said of the squad’s effort against Frans Thijssen’s charges. “I think backing up from everything that’s happened it was just good to get out there and play some footy again.”
“We’d worked real hard all week in training to build up for that game and to make sure that we put in a solid performance not just for us but for the fans.
“I think we owed a lot to them and everyone that came out to the game to show their support for us.
“It was good to get back out there, put in a solid performance and try and get that win,” he said.
Kantarovski believes that in addition to the club’s keenness to work hard for its members and fans, some tweaks in preparation enabled the Jets to provide stiff competition for Roar.
“I think we were a lot harder to break down and we just felt more comfortable as a unit all together,” he said. “Whether it was going forward or defensively … I think that was a major positive.”
The 23-year-old also praised Taylor Regan for his efforts in captaining the side, and said Daniel Mullen’s inclusion in the backline was another positive that could be garnered from Friday’s narrow loss to the men from Suncorp Stadium.
“Taylor [Regan] has been captain before in the youth team and he knows what it’s all about,” he said. “He knows how to get the boys raring to go.”
“He [Regan] did well, he showed us a lot, he’s a very good communicator, he tried to push forward from the back and lead by example, and hopefully he does that again this week.”
“I have played with Daniel [Mullen] before in young Aussie squads and he’s really good, he’s a good communicator, he’s comfortable on the ball and he had a solid performance.”
“I think he will be eager to back that up this week, especially against Western Sydney.”
Newcastle Jets vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Round 17
Saturday 14 February 2015
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 5:00pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase tickets to the match
Twitter: Join the match conversation using #NEWvWSW @NewcastleJetsFC
