Milligan's Call for Courage Ahead of Crucial Clash
Newcastle Jets coach Mark Milligan has delivered a powerful message to his squad ahead of their Sunday showdown with Perth Glory at McDonald Jones Stadium, urging his players to show bravery and stick to their principles after consecutive disappointing results.
The FIFA international break has provided Milligan with two full weeks to prepare for what promises to be a tense encounter between two teams desperate for points. While tactical work has been part of the preparation, much of the focus has been on reinforcing the mentality of a squad that started the season with Australia Cup success but has since struggled in the A-League Men competition.
Responding to Adversity
The Jets are coming off two difficult losses - a 4-1 defeat to Sydney FC followed by a 3-0 loss to Brisbane Roar. While Milligan believed his team's performance against Sydney still showed positive signs, he was particularly disappointed with the Brisbane match, describing it as "the first time we went away from our game."
"It has been a little bit of a tough period," Milligan admitted. "The response at training has been good. What we do next is most important. When you have a couple of results go against you, it is difficult to go out and be courageous and do the right things."
The coach emphasized that maintaining the team's attacking philosophy requires genuine courage, especially when results haven't been going their way. "It is about sticking to our principles, sticking to our philosophy and that takes courage. You have to be brave," he stated firmly.
Squad Updates and Selection Decisions
Milligan has several selection decisions to make ahead of the Perth clash, with promising signs on the injury front. Young attacker Clayton Taylor has been building fitness after returning from groin surgery, making a noticeable impact in his 20-minute appearance against Brisbane.
"Clayton worked extremely hard on the path back to full fitness," Milligan noted. "He is getting close and these two weeks have been good for him as well."
Striker Lachie Rose is also pushing for inclusion, with Milligan praising his "fantastic attitude" and ability to drive training standards regardless of whether he's starting matches.
While Eli Adams has returned to full training, he's not yet ready for match action. Milligan made it clear that selection would be based purely on who gives the Jets the best chance to win, noting that training has been "very competitive" during the extended preparation period.
Perth Glory's Challenges
The visiting Perth Glory arrive in Newcastle facing their own struggles, having lost three consecutive matches and now under the guidance of interim coach Adam Griffiths, a former Jets championship winner from the 2008 title-winning squad.
Perth's attacking woes are particularly concerning - they haven't scored from open play since Adam Taggart converted a penalty in the 26th minute of their round one 2-2 draw with Wellington Phoenix.
There is some positive news for the Glory, with forwards Jaiden Kucharski and Welshman Tom Lawrence returning from injury. However, former Jets captain Brandon O'Neill has remained in Perth with his heavily pregnant wife.
Griffiths acknowledged the Jets' attacking quality but believes his team can exploit defensive vulnerabilities. "They are a good football team; one of the teams I enjoy watching," Griffiths said. "They have scored a lot of goals but there is also opportunities at the other end which is good for us."
With both teams desperate to turn their fortunes around, Sunday's match at McDonald Jones Stadium promises to be a compelling battle between two sides fighting to rediscover their early-season form.
