Bernardo Riberio has called on the Club’s Members and supporters to get behind the Jets for Saturday’s F3 Derby at Hunter Stadium.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Bernardo Riberio has called on the Club-s Members and supporters to get behind the Jets for Saturday-s F3 Derby clash with the Central Coast Mariners at Hunter Stadium.
After starting in Newcastle-s last two A-League fixtures, Bernardo could be in-line to make his home debut for the Jets on Saturday night.
The Brazilian is no stranger to the importance of derby matches, having played in one of the biggest in world football, the Fla-Flu Derby between Brazilian powerhouses Flamengo and Fluminense.
“In Brazil they start to talk about the derbies one month before the game and you need to be ready,” Bernardo said.
“I-ve played in one derby between Flamengo and Fluminese at the Maracana with 35,000 people and it was very, very good.
“I-m very excited to play this game against Central Coast. I know this derby here is very important for the fans and for us.
“I want to invite the fans and the members to come to the stadium to help us.
“It is very important for us and we will play with 12 players because the fans are one more player for us.”
Bernardo has worked his way into the Jets starting line-up after playing a bit-part role at the start of the season.
The 23-year-old said he is growing with confidence every match he plays as he becomes more accustomed to the style of football in Australia.
“I was training hard for this opportunity. I asked the coach about me and what I need to do better to play,” he said.
“Now I-m starting to understand the league and the opponents, I play more one and two touch football.
“I-ve started to get more confidence now to play, to try my actions. I-m happy because the coach believes in me and the other players have helped me a lot.
“I think if I keep playing my confidence will become better.”
Bernardo said he had settled into his new surrounds well and the people of Newcastle had made him feel very welcome.
“I love it here in Newcastle. I love Australians, the people are very friendly at the Club and I-m very happy,” he said.
It is a double-header at Hunter Stadium this Saturday night. The Jets Youth team play the Central Coast Mariners Youth team prior to the A-League F3 Derby clash at 7.45pm.
Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, December 8
Gates open: 4.50pm
National Youth League kick-off: 5pm
A-League kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Hunter Stadium
Tickets from PROticket
Limited parking will be available for purchase at the car park entrances on game days for the remainder of the Jets 2012/13 season. Whilst there will be parking available for purchase, Hunter Venues does encourage patrons to pre-purchase their parking tickets at a PROticket outlet or online at www.proticket.com.au as parking is subject to availability.
