Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond said his team is focused on ‘squaring the ledger’ in its Hyundai A-League clash against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Melbourne trounced the Jets 5-0 in the most recent meeting at Telstra Dome earlier this season and the record-equalling loss for the Jets is still hurting the pride of the Newcastle squad.
“If you ever get beat by a team by such a score it always leaves a mark on you. And I think the only way to get rid of that mark is to confront it and that is what we will be doing on Saturday,” van Egmond told Sportal.
“I know a number of the boys are really looking forward to the game to ensure that a similar score doesn’t happen again and looking for some revenge.”
“Our players’ pride was really hurt and they were somewhat embarrassed after that game and so they are looking forward to the contest and the team you want to beat is the team that is leading the competition and that is Melbourne.”
After some lean weeks with a depleted line-up due to a combination of injuries and representative duties, the Newcastle boss said last weekend’s break in the Hyundai A-League due to international games was a blessing for the Jets and the squad will be strengthened by return of some key players.
“It (the break) was very welcomed as it gave us the chance to get over a number of injuries as well as the fact that we had a number of boys involved in the Under 20s and the Under 17s program as well, so we will get them back,” said van Egmond.
“Albeit it will only be a week before those rep players have to go again, but we have James Holland back, Naidovski back, Ben Kantarovski is back and Adam Griffiths will make his return from an injury while Joel Griffiths (hamstring) is, at this moment, 50-50 to play this weekend.”
The Jets v Melbourne clash will be preceded by the next round of the National Youth League with the Newcastle side looking to impress in its first home match against the Melbourne youth side with that match set to kick off at 4.15pm.
