Zenon Caravella says the Jets are in a confident frame of mind ahead of Friday’s blockbuster showdown with Western Sydney.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Zenon Caravella says the Jets are in a confident frame of mind ahead of Friday-s blockbuster showdown with Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
Caravella said there is a strong sense of determination amongst the Jets- playing squad ahead of the Good Friday clash, where nothing less than all three points will be enough for the home side to secure a finals berth.
“This is the game that-s going to decide whether we make the finals or not,” Caravella said.
“We have to wait on other teams- results, but for us, this is a must-win game.
“We-re a team that doesn-t like to lose. I said that before I came here.
“The culture in the club is one where the team never gives up, so I think we-re a team deserves to be in the finals.
“Everyone-s confident, I feel that everyone is in the right headspace and there-s a good feeling amongst the boys. There-s definitely a lot of excitement in the air.
“Everyone wants to play in the finals. If you don-t have any aspirations to play in the Finals Series, then you shouldn-t be playing.”
The Wanderers need at least a draw against the Jets to lock-up the Premiers- Plate in their inaugural season, but Caravella said the Jets weren-t focusing too heavily on how their opponents might approach the match.
“It-s going to be extra big because they need a result against us to win the Premiers- Plate and we need to win to keep our finals hopes alive, so it-s a big game for both teams,” Caravella said.
“We just have to concentrate on ourselves. We know how they play, so we just have to go out there and play to our game plan.
“Sometimes it-s the finer points of the game where you can win or lose. We know their strengths, we know our strengths, so we-re just going to concentrate on ourselves.”
It is expected that Caravella won-t have to worry about matching up against former Japanese international Shinji Ono, with the import likely to miss the game through injury.
Despite Ono-s absence, Caravella said he wouldn-t expect the task against the Wanderers to become any easier.
“They will miss a lot of craft without him,” Caravella said.
“He-s the type of player that doesn-t necessarily work a lot or defend a lot, but he finds himself in pockets of space to create goals for them and score goals himself, so I suppose him not playing is good for us.
“They-ve got a lot of depth and every player that comes in knows what they-ve got to do.”
A big crowd is expected for Friday-s blockbuster clash between the Jets and Wanderers. Jets supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets from PROticket to secure the best seats and avoid queues on the day.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, March 29
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
