Momentum is such an important aspect of sport.
And, if you can get on a winning run, it can make a world of difference to your season.
On the back of three consecutive victories in the past month, we’re now within striking distance of the top six.
Many people, primarily our critics, didn’t think that was possible at the end of 2024, but the coaching staff and boys have worked hard to reap the benefits.
Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty to do, too.
However, impressive wins over the Melbourne Victory (3-0), second-placed Adelaide United (2-1) and the Brisbane Roar (3-1) at home shows we’re capable of matching it with any side in the A-League Men’s (ALM) competition.
Unfortunately, just as we get on a roll, and confidence is high in the camp, we’re hit with another bye.
It’s hardly an ideal scenario. When you’re in form, you want to play all the time… and we’re no different.
Yes, it’s up to me and my team to prepare the boys better to deal with it. But, our draw hasn’t exactly been a favourable one.
No matter what you do on the training paddock week-in week-out, nothing beats match experience and game time.
So, we need to deal with what’s in front of us, push everything else to the background, and focus on the next assignment.
Another thing I have also been pleased about is the contributions of newcomers Kota Mizunuma and Charles M’Mombwa.
The pair has made a huge difference to the squad, not just with their obvious skills on the pitch but their professionalism and individual personalities around the club.
I knew Kota from my days at Sydney FC with Steve Corica, when we coached against him.
He’s an exceptional player.
I sold him my vision for the Jets and, luckily for us, it was the right time for him to head abroad.
He looked at the way we played, the youthfulness of the team and, once we had a good discussion about what we’re trying to do, he was really keen to come here.
So, I’m very happy to have him and Charles in Newcastle.
They’re an excellent fit, they’ve set great standards at training, which is a continuation of what we work on every day.
Overall, they’re just good human beings.
I honestly believe they’ve helped someone like Lachie Rose in recent outings, too.
The fans have seen what he’s truly capable of when fully fit.
Although there’s a long way to go this season, I remain confident we can push for a play-off berth.
For more sports stories:
- ALM: A Rose like no other to fire up Jets
- ALW: Jets strike hammer blow to Sydney FC’s season
- ALM: A great feeling in Jets’ camp at the moment
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