Newcastle Jets centre-back Connor Chapman says his side are focused on Friday night’s crucial clash with the Perth Glory.
Newcastle Jets centre-back Connor Chapman says his side have forgotten about the 5-0 thrashing to the Melbourne Victory and are instead focused on Friday night’s crucial clash with the Perth Glory.
An inexperienced Jets line-up, missing veterans Emile Heskey, Michael Bridges and Ryan Griffiths, was put to the sword against a rampant Victory outfit last weekend.
However, Chapman said the side wouldn’t be haunted by the demoralising defeat.
“I don’t think you can focus too much on a loss, it’s more about trying to get past it and look forward to the next game,” Chapman said.
“Obviously it was a bit disappointing losing 5-0 on the weekend. And I think for all the boys it is good to have a quick turnaround to try and get that out of our system.
“It’s a home game and we’re still three games out from the finals and of course anything is possible in the A-League.
“I think we’ve got a very good side and if we go out and play how we can play, we’ll have no problems.”
Chapman, who came on as a late second-half substitute in the loss to the Victory, will be given the task of stiffening the Jets defence at centre-back for regular stopper Taylor Regan, who is serving an automatic one-match suspension following a red card in last weekend’s fixture.
Despite the enormous ask of keeping Perth’s much-vaunted attack of Shane Smeltz, Travis Dodd and Chris Harold quiet this Friday night, the 18-year-old said he is looking forward to the challenge.
“If you can’t handle the pressure then I don’t think you can be a footballer,” he said.
“Pressure just comes with the game and you have to handle it.
“This game is a very big game, not only for me but the whole team.
“I’m looking to cement my spot again and for this weekend, all I can do is work hard for the team and with team success, hopefully my own success will come with that.”
Chapman is set to join Dominik Ritter in the centre of the Jets defence while the side will sweat on the fitness of left fullback Sam Gallaway, who is racing the clock to overcome a knee injury.
Marquee man Heskey (calf) joins key midfielder Zenon Caravella (hamstring) on the injured list, leaving teenager Adam Taggart and Bridges to spearhead the Newcastle attack.
