Phil Stubbins says the Newcastle Jets need to find a winning culture for next season if they want to turn their Hyundai A-League fortunes around.
The Jets produced an encouraging performance against Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium on Sunday but fell agonisingly short of a big upset, losing 1-0.
MATCH REPORT: Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Against arguably the best passing team in the league, the Jets had more possession, more shots and spent more time in the Reds’ half.
And Stubbins believes his side’s inability to have a winning mindset contributed to their downfall.
“That’s something that needs to change at this football club. I’ve spoken about this since I’ve been here, the mentality attached to winning games,” the Jets boss said.
“Being a part of the Newcastle Jets, what does it mean, the badge. We have to play in a cerain way that’s going to allow us the best opportunity to win games.
“And without a certain winning mentality attached to your group, you’re not going to achieve anything. For us the winning mentality is something that we need to improve on.”
As is the quality of their finishing in front of goal.
The Jets – who are the lowest scorers in the Hyundai A-League with just 18 for the season – created a host of gilt-edged opportunities but squandered them all.
Edson Montano was guilty of one of the misses of the season, hitting the post from barely a metre out with the goal gaping.
“You have to get someone in the striking role that’s going to get those 10-15 goals,” Stubbins said of his mis-firing side.
“Without those it doesn’t matter about your brand of football. If you’re not turning your dominance into goals it doesn’t equate to wins.
“We haven’t scored enough goals but in terms of creating chances I think most teams would have been happy tonight.
“We should have won the game. I feel for the boys and the club and supporters. It’s alright to demand that we win but we played the game in the right way today.
“If nobody can see that wasn’t a decent performance then we’re not watching the same football match. The problems we’ve got is not scoring goals.”
The Jets are next in action against Perth Glory at Hunter Stadium on Easter Monday.
