From Cup Glory to League Struggle
The Newcastle Jets' historic Australia Cup triumph, which delivered the club its first major silverware in years and secured a coveted spot in next season's Asian Champions League 2, has unexpectedly become a source of concern for coach Mark Milligan. The very success that brought joy to the Hunter region is now being scrutinised as a potential factor in the team's dismal start to the A-League season.
A Stark Reality Check
Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Perth Glory at McDonald Jones Stadium marked the Jets' third consecutive loss, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the league table with just three points from their opening five matches. This standing is in stark contrast to their impressive five-game cup run during the pre-season, which included victories over established A-League rivals Adelaide United and Macarthur FC.
Coach Mark Milligan offered a frank assessment after the Perth match, suggesting the cup run may have given his inexperienced squad a distorted view of the challenges ahead. "Maybe the run through pre-season gave them a false indication of how hard it is, not only to play the football we want, but get results in the A-League," Milligan stated. "It is a very competitive league. Maybe that gave us a bit of false confidence there. We need to make sure that is reined back in."
Missed Opportunities and Costly Errors
The performance against Perth, while improved, again featured self-inflicted wounds that have become a troubling pattern. The Jets took an early lead in the 15th minute through a brilliantly constructed goal from 20-year-old winger Xavier Bertoncello, his first in the A-League. Despite creating a series of further chances, the home side failed to capitalise.
A critical turnover just before half-time gifted Perth a lifeline, and the match was ultimately decided by a controversial 79th-minute handball penalty, converted by Nick Pennington. Milligan described his team's approach as "a little bit naive," emphasising the need to "go and take a team's soul" when in dominant positions.
Lachie Rose was a constant threat in attack and could have secured a hat-trick on a more fortunate night. Bertoncello, reflecting on his milestone goal, expressed mixed emotions. "It felt good to score my first goal but the loss dims the celebrations a bit," he said.
A Crucial Period Ahead
The next month presents a formidable challenge that could define the Jets' playoff hopes. Their upcoming fixture list includes an away trip to second-placed Auckland, a home clash against premiers Melbourne City, another journey to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix, and a visit from Sydney FC.
While the Jets boast the youngest squad in the competition, Milligan is demanding accountability from everyone involved. "Yes, it's a young team. But if you look at world football, that is football now," he asserted. "We are still looking at these players at 21 and 22 as young players. In the world of football they are not young players. They are inexperienced because they haven't played 50 or 60 A-League games. They have to go through these moments to learn."
With the team now sitting at the foot of the table, Bertoncello voiced the squad's determination to turn things around for their supporters. "It feels weird to be bottom of the table. I'm not used to it," he admitted. "I want to change that for the fans. I know how much they want us to do well."
