Kew Jaliens says the Jets are primed for Saturday’s must-win clash with Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Kew Jaliens says the Jets are primed for Saturday-s must-win clash with Melbourne Victory at Hunter Stadium.
Anything less than three points could see the Jets eliminated from the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League finals race should the results of other matches not fall in their favour.
Jaliens said he expects tomorrow-s do-or-die fixture against the Victory to have a finals-like atmosphere in its own right.
‘There-s no turning back,” Jaliens said.
“You have to win these games and everybody has to make sure they do everything in their power to make it go our way.
“We want to get to the finals and this is like a final tomorrow.
We could have made it easier on ourselves if we were in control, but right now we-re not in control.
“The only thing we can do is get the three points and just wait and see what the other results are.
“There-s still a chance and I-ve been around long enough to know that anything can happen.”
With a line-up that features a number of experienced campaigners including the likes of internationals Emile Heskey, Joel Griffiths, David Carney and Ruben Zadkovich, Jaliens is confident the Jets can flourish and rise to the occasion.
“The big games are always easier for us because I think there is less pressure and expectation on us,” Jaliens said.
“People will expect Victory to dominate and that suits us.
“The big games we-ve played this season went our way and there is a reason why that is the case.
“The big teams don-t like playing against us because they know what we-ll bring to the table and I think this might be a positive thing for us.”
Jaliens said the Jets are well aware of the threats posed by the Victory and would have to be at their best to counteract the Melbourne side.
“You have to be switched on all match and put in 100 per cent, because they only have one type of game and if that game is not on they have a problem,” Jaliens said.
“If we can get them off their game, it-s a big positive for us to get our style of play intact and from there, punish them.
“At this stage of the competition, every game for every team is important.
“We are aware of that and for us, we can only look at ourselves and make sure we give 100 per cent for ourselves.”
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory
Hunter Stadium
Saturday April 5
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
