Central Coast coach Paul Okon says the Mariners must be realistic about their stage of development as he preaches patience following a sixth loss in seven matches.
Okon’s side missed a chance to climb back off the foot of the ladder in slipping to a 1-0 defeat away to Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.
Phoenix edge lackluster Mariners in miserable conditions
“It’s frustrating because it’s a result-driven business we’re in and the expectations from us is we try to win,” Okon told Sky Sport NZ.
“We want to deliver that third victory of the season for our supporters as well.
“We’ve got some young players (and) we’re giving them game time. The quicker they can get to 30, 40 A-League games the better the team will be.
“We have to show patience at certain times as well and sort of show a little bit of reality where we are at the moment.”
The Gosford side produced a competitive performance in tough conditions across the ditch but lacked the cutting edge to make a breakthrough.
Okon believes his side is nearing greater rewards.
“At the moment it’s the result probably we’re lacking. Certainly not the performance, not the attitude and not the work ethic,” the former Caltex Socceroos captain said.
“The sooner we can get another win the better for everyone.”
