Kew Jaliens says the Jets are well aware of the threat posed by Melbourne Victory’s front third heading into Sunday’s clash.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Kew Jaliens says the Jets are well aware of the threat posed by Melbourne Victory-s front third heading into Sunday-s Round 9 clash at AAMI Park.
Jaliens said the Jets would have to be at their best to contain Victory-s potent attacking quartet of Archie Thompson, Kosta Barbarouses, James Troisi and Mitch Nichols.
“They-ve got quick players up front and I-ve noticed they play the early cross very often into the strikers who are running into the box and this is one of their strengths,” Jaliens explained.
“They-re a team that if you-re not 100 per cent, they will punish you, so we have to make sure we are 100 per cent.”
The Victory fashioned a number gilt-edged chances against the Central Coast Mariners last weekend, but were unable to find the back of the net in a scoreless draw with the defending Champions.
Jaliens said the Jets could not count on Melbourne being so wasteful in front of goal this Sunday and emphasised the importance of cutting off the supply to the Victory-s attacking weapons.
“If we try to press them a bit earlier, they won-t have the time and the space to play those balls,” Jaliens explained.
“If we can do this, it-s a good chance for us to try and play well against them.”
Following this weekend-s clash with Melbourne, the Jets take on the second-placed Western Sydney Wanderers, followed by competition front-runners Brisbane Roar.
Jaliens said the three-game stretch heading into Christmas would provide a good litmus test for the Jets.
“It will be a very important month for us to see where we are at because we are playing the bigger and stronger teams, Jaliens said.
“It will be important for us to see where we stand as a team. It will be difficult but also fun and we are looking forward to it.”
Approaching a third of the way through the season Jaliens said he felt settled in Newcastle and was hopeful of extending his stay with the Club.
“You have to adjust to the team, but I think we-re at the stage now where I know what to expect from the boys and they know what to expect from me,” Jaliens said.
“As far as the other things go, like the fields and the weather conditions, I-m fully adapted and I feel good.
“I came out here to show I can still play and I still have the qualities.
“If from the Club-s point of view they like this and are positive about it, for me it-s a good thing.”
