Newcastle Jets Head Coach Scott Miller says despite the Jets’ encouraging start to the season he’s focused on making sure the squad doesn’t get ahead of itself when they clash with Western Sydney Wanderers this weekend.
Despite three wins from four matches the youngest ever Hyundai A-League coach says the team will need to increase the intensity when they face the reigning Asian Champions League winners Western Sydney at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
“Our intensity can’t drop off … it can only increase,” Miller said.
“When you’re succeeding to a degree it’s very easy to let up, but for me it’s an opportunity for the team to step up further.
“We haven’t achieved anything yet and that’s the biggest focus I want the team to have.
“Their response today was good, not just in terms of intensity but quality as well,” he said about Tuesday’s training.
The Jets boss said that despite the Wanderers only claiming their first win of the season last weekend against Perth Glory, their play on the pitch in the first four rounds has deserved a greater points haul.
“The Wanderers’ performances have been better than what they have got form a points perspective,” Miller recognised.
“They’re a hard, disciplined team and I’m sure they will be wanting to come up to Newcastle and obtain a result.
“I’m expecting a good performance from them [the Wanderers].”
Miller has signaled to his troops that their next two home matches against the Western Sydney and the first F3 Derby of the season against Central Coast Mariners are important matches to take points from.
“The expectation from me is that the team must step up as we’ve got an opportunity with two home games,” Miller explained.
“The way I see it they are must win games because they could change the emphasis of our season completely.
“We’ve still got a lot of games remaining this season so we need to take our chances now,” he said.
Newcastle Jets vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Round 5
Saturday 7 November 2015
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-off: 5:15pm
Tickets: Please click here to purchase match tickets.
Social: #NEWvWSW
