Gary van Egmond believes prior knowledge of a number of Wanderers players gives the Jets a better understanding of their opponent.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets head coach Gary van Egmond believes his prior knowledge of a number of Western Sydney Wanderers players will give the Jets a better understanding of what to expect from their opponents on Saturday night.
However, the Championship winning coach said the inside knowledge works both ways, with the ex-Newcastle players in the Wanderers squad well aware of van Egmond-s coaching methodologies and tactical approach.
“There are a few ex-Newcastle Jets boys there who will be dying to come out there and have a good game,” he said.
“We know each other fairly well. Obviously they know me quite well and I know them quite well, but can-t focus wholly and solely on those players.”
Van Egmond said the Jets have to be wary of a number of Western Sydney players, in particular former Bolton Wanderers player Aaron Mooy.
“They got some very good players all over the park, probably Aaron Mooy in particular, and we have to make sure we treat all their players with the respect they deserve,” he said.
“I think Aaron Mooy gets them playing. He-s one who is good on the ball and is quite creative with his play, so you probably want to lessen his time (on the ball) quite a bit.
“Their front three, with (Mark) Bridge and (Youssouf) Hersi either side. Obviously (Shinji) Ono sees passes that other people don-t see and the young boy (Joe) Gibbs has done well since he-s come in.
“They-ve got a number of attacking options, but it might be more of a key to us to try and stop that supply.”
With the Wanderers sitting just two points Newcastle on the A-League ladder, van Egmond said the Jets certainly wouldn-t be taking their opponents lightly.
“I look at the Wanderers as being a very competitive team. I think Poppa has done a wonderful job with them,” he said.
“The one thing that a lot of those players have is a point to prove. They always become dangerous players, which makes them dangerous as a collective team, so we know we-re in for a difficult game.
“They-ve definitely improved from day one to where they are now, but so have we. Our performance last week was nearly our best this year.
“We feel that if we go down there and match their attitude and work ethic, we have enough talent within our squad to get the victory.”
