Central Coast Mariners are finally back at Our Paradise for an Isuzu UTE A-League clash for the first time in over six weeks, as Melbourne City visit on Tuesday evening.
Mark Jackson’s side are looking for a positive response to Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Sydney FC, just our second defeat in four months, which Jackson was quick to remind the players when they returned to training on Sunday.
“It was a really disappointing game, we didn’t deserve anything from the game. Sydney were the better side in all aspects, that was the disappointing factor for us.” Jackson said.
“On our reflection of the game with the players, we identified where we need to be better, because it was clear, but we also had to remind the players of where we are and the run that we have been on.”
“But we don’t want to just be talking about that, we want to be talking about how we finish the season. That’s why the result and performance was disappointing.”
“We are clear on that, the boys are fully focussed and ready to go against Melbourne City which we know will be an extremely tough game as well.”
Jackson once again hailed the efforts of his staff and players, who are now well accustomed to short turnarounds, with our hectic schedule added to by AFC Cup commitments as we continue to fight for three trophies.
Our Football Manager is confident that the players have clarity heading into Melbourne City and the squad’s morale has not been damaged as they returned to training in ‘bubbly’ mood.
“The session [on Sunday] was more like a debrief, the staff worked rally hard straight after the gam to get the video for the players ready in such a quick turnaround, to give the players clarity on where we need to be better going forward.”
“[Monday] is more about looking at how we cope with Melbourne City’s style of play and how we are going to implement our style of play.”
“Looking back at Sydney, not that we want to dwell on it, but we didn’t bring our game to that fixture, especially in possession as that is where our success has come. We know we have to do that, trust in how we play.”
I have full confidence in this group of players, they have been bubbly on the training pitch so we are looking forward to the challenge.
“The staff are really good, we have a way of working and procedures for recovery. The players are fantastic too, they buy into it. We feel like we can turn around between games quickly and we are excited.”
“Looking at their recent games, Melbourne City have added a bit more of a high press of late so we feel like they will come after us.”
“We have tweaked a few things with how we are going to approach the game and even with a short turnaround we feel we have got the information across to the players an we have clarity on what we want to do. We have to be brave in how we want to play.”
Melbourne City kicks-off a tough April schedule for Jackson and the team who have seven games, including AFC Cup trip to Kyrgyzstan, between now and our final game of the regular Isuzu UTE A-League season on April 27th.
“We’re excited for the run in, we’re not going to let one disappointing result take control of our mindset. We are going to be in full control of how we respond to this and we want to respond well in front of our fans.”
“Our fans have been great all season. When we have the shorter away trips the fans come across and they supported the boys on Saturday. Even after the result and performance, they were there at the end.”
The players and staff always go over and show their appreciation because we truly feel their support and we need it no more so than on Tuesday night.
Mark Jackson on support from the Mariners Family
“We are really looking forward to it and we want to put a performance for the fans. We will be ready for it.”
