Newcastle Jets coach Scott Miller is not discounting his side’s finals chances despite suffering an eleventh loss of the season to the Wanderers on Sunday.
The Jets toiled hard in front of a bumper home crowd, with captain Nigel Boogaard hitting the post with a late header but were ultimately undone by a Jaushua Sotirio strike.
Newcastle remain seven points adrift of sixth-placed Melbourne Victory, with Miller saying his side will need to claim maximum points for the remainder of the season to be a chance of playing finals.
“We have to win every game. But to be honest with you we started the season looking to win every game as well so that doesn’t change,” Miller told reporters post-match.
Wanderers edge brave Jets in Newcastle
“Chance creation has increased and I’ve just looked at the stats and it was 50-50 possession which is pleasing.
“We had a number of chances in the final third that were blocked, we hit the post, so it’s not all doom and gloom but it is essentially because you want to win these games.”
Despite his side’s latest set-back Miller was confident the Jets were heading in the right direction on and off the park, with the former Fulham assistant restating his commitment to the club.
“As I’ve said I didn’t come here to leave the club in a better place I want to take it to a different level altogether,” said Miller.
“From a football perspective and also behind the scenes in terms of the staff’s professionalism and we’re doing that which is good.
“But more importantly it’s about results and I’m very focused on results.”
Sunday’s result saw the Wanderers complete a season sweep of the Jets, keeping intact their unbeaten record at Hunter Stadium.
Despite Western Sydney having the better of the chances Miller was adamant the Jets are not far off competing with one of the best sides in the competition.
“We took them all the way. Every coach, every supporter will see it completely different,” said Miller.
“Look at the last 10-15 minutes how many chances we did create in overloading wide areas and being a threat which was good.
“If they’re to be the champions it’s nice to see that we can take the champions or a finals threat to that level.”
