Newcastle Jets captain Kew Jaliens believes the Jets are continuing to grow as a unit ahead of their vital clash with Brisbane Roar at Hunter Stadium on Friday night.
Both sides are still searching for their first victory of the 2014/15 Hyundai A-League season and are looking to push further up the competition ladder.
The Jets are hoping to make amends for the letting a two-goal lead slip in their 2-2 draw with the Melbourne Victory and Jaliens feels they can get the job done against the cellar-dwelling Roar.
“We’re still confident but we have to keep to growing and learn from every game we play,” Jaliens said.
“We sat down after the Victory game and we looked to improve, and we’ll take it to the game on Friday night.”
Jaliens said the draw against the Victory felt like a missed opportunity.
“The overall feeling was disappointment,” Jaliens said.
“If you’re two nil up you should take points home and we didn’t do that so we are disappointed.”
The former Dutch skipper said their tactics have been right so far this season, but they need to be more focused during the entire 90 minutes.
“The structure hasn’t been our problem, it’s just our focus in certain times of the game,” Jaliens said.
“We need to be more focused after someone scores and in the beginning of the half.
“These are things that you can only learn by playing as many games as possible.”
The Roar became the first team in Hyundai A-League history to lose their opening four matches of the season after their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Melbourne City last weekend.
And while the Jets beat the defending Champions in all three of their matches last year, Jaliens said the Roar are as dangerous as ever.
“Every game is a new game and every game there are three points to be won,” Jaliens said.
“Last year was last year and it will be a new game and new test again.”
Jets coach Phil Stubbins is waiting to see if right-back Scott Neville will be available after coming off in the Victory match with a groin strain.
This may force the captain into the right-back role with fit again former Socceroo Adrian Madaschi a possibility to fill the spot at centre back, but that poses no problem for Jaliens.
“For me it doesn’t make a big difference, I’ve played there many times before in my career so if that’s where I have to play on Friday I will,” said Jaliens.
Madaschi hasn’t featured so far this season due to injury and the Jets may be further buoyed with midfielder Billy Celeski close to being available for selection after suffering from a groin injury.
“They’re both looking ready but a game is always different from training so it’s a bit difficult to see how match ready they are,” said Jaliens.
“But they’re looking sharp and they’re eager to play so we’ll just have to see what the gaffer decides.”
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Friday, November 14
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.40pm AEDT
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.
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