Ruben Zadkovich says the Jets’ are determined to bounce back against Perth after a ‘flat’ performance against Adelaide.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets captain Ruben Zadkovich says the Jets- ‘flat- performance against Adelaide United had left the side feeling frustrated and determined to bounce back against Perth Glory at Hunter Stadium this Saturday.
Zadkovich said the Jets struggled to get into their stride against Adelaide, but they were determined to correct that against the Glory in front of their home fans this weekend.
“It was just a frustrating game for us and we never really found our rhythm,” Zadkovich said.
“Early on in the game we struggled to get on the ball and I think it was just one of those days where we had too many players who were flat, and sometimes that can happen.
“We-ve juts got to work hard this week and look forward to the next game at home against Perth.”
Zadkovich said the Jets needed to match their effort levels with more spark and creativity in order to break down the Reds- defensive unit.
“We probably lacked a little bit of imagination, and that-s not just the boys up front, that-s the whole team,” Zadkovich said.
“Even us boys in midfield were a bit flat and both of our fullbacks didn-t have their absolute best games, but like I said, sometimes that can happen.
“What you want to look for when that does happen is the response.
“I think you could see that the boys got stuck in and everyone was fighting for each other and working as hard as we could and it was just one of those days where even the bounce of the ball didn-t go our way.”
Zadkovich said the fourth-placed Jets are expecting a difficult test against the Glory on Saturday, with Perth looking to bridge the gap between themselves and a place in the top six.
“They-re a good side and probably a little bit underrated,” Zadkovich said.
“They-ve got some good young players and a few older, more experienced guys who will probably steer them around the park well.
“There-s no easy games in the A-League and we-ll have to be at our best, but we-re confident we can do that at home.”
With the Jets set to lose Josh Brillante, Connor Chapman and Andrew Hoole to international duty with the Australian U-22 side over the next few weeks, Zadkovich said it was an important period coming up for the Club.
“We-ve realised it-s going to take our whole squad if we-re going to be successful this year,” Zadkovich explained.
“There-s some boys who aren-t playing at the moment who are probably going to get their chance in the next month or two and they-ve got to step up and I-m sure they will.
“We-re a very together squad, there-s a good team harmony here and we just want to make sure we-re all fighting for each other and pushing hard.
“It-s going to be a tough period for us over the next month, but we-re confident we can get some good results.”
Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory
Saturday, January 4
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
