Dominik Ritter says the Jets won’t alter their game plan too dramatically despite needing maximum points against Adelaide.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Dominik Ritter says the Jets won-t alter their game plan too dramatically despite needing to go after all three points in Friday night-s clash with Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The fixture looms as must win clash for the Jets as they look to secure a spot in the A-League finals.
Ritter said it is important the Jets are patient and don-t leave themselves exposed at the back as they surge forward in search of maximum points.
“We won-t chase everything forward from the beginning, we-ll see how the game goes on,” Ritter explained.
“We will start how we always like to start, trying to keep possession, control the game and create chances.
“If the game goes on and it-s still 0-0 or if we go a goal down, we might have to take more risks because we need a win there, but that-s football and you never know what could happen.
“It-s important we don-t concede a goal in the early minutes and we-ll be aware of that.”
Ritter said the entire Jets squad is well aware of the importance of Friday-s contest.
“There-s only three weeks to go and two more games for us. We have to stay focused and we need two wins to make the finals,” he said.
“Everyone is still working hard because everyone knows what is coming up.
“They-re going to be two hard games, especially because Adelaide are a tough team to play away from home and everyone knows about Western Sydney Wanderers, at the moment they-re unbeatable.
“We just need to make sure we train hard and we can make the finals.”
After starting the season playing primarily as a left-back, Ritter has slotted comfortably into the centre of defence in recent weeks. The Swiss import said he has no preference as to which position he plays in.
“For me it doesn-t really matter whether I play left-back or left stopper. I-ve played both positions all through my career,” he said.
“I know I came here as a left back and I-m still confident enough to play left-back, but at the moment Gary sees me as a centre-back and I-m confident playing this position as well.
“When you play centre-back you have the whole game in front of you and there-s no sideline so you can play to both sides. As a fullback you can attack more and it-s completely different.”
Ritter said the mood in the Jets camp is still positive heading into the clash with the Reds, despite coming off demoralising back-to-back losses to Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory.
“At the moment we just need to be focused on our own performance and I think we did quite well against Perth last week,” Ritter said.
“We kept the ball well and created a lot of chances, the only thing we have to do is make sure the ball lands in the back of the net and make sure we keep our defence sharp.
“Of course we will look at the way Adelaide play. They have a good team, physical and strong, but I think we-re quite physical as well.
“It-s going to be a tough game, but I-m looking forward to it.”
