Newcastle Jets coach Mark Jones has warned his squad’s under-performing players to prove their worth following Sunday’s deflating 5-0 defeat to Wellington Phoenix.
The visitors were outplayed from start to finish at Westpac Stadium as they slumped to a fifth defeat in seven matches.
Five-star Phoenix thump poor Jets in NZ
With the result effectively ending Newcastle’s outside hopes of a top-six finish, Jones indicated he would look to the future throughout the remaining three rounds.
“[We will] look at the ones that are going to be around at the club next year and the ones that will show a bit more urgency and desire,” the Jets boss told Sky Sport NZ.
“It was a make-or-break game today and that clearly wasn’t good enough.
“We have to consolidate now, play out the rest of the year and show a bit of pride.”
While disappointed by his side’s lack of competitiveness, Jones felt the Jets might have forced a different outcome had they taken their chances.
“Under pressure we broke,” the Newcastle local said.
“Then at the other end when we had opportunities we didn’t take them.
“We had a period where we were on top and missed a couple of glorious opportunities. If you don’t take those then the game passes you by.”
