Newcastle coach Arthur Papas unhappy with late change to Jets’ schedule

The Newcastle Jets aren’t happy with having to play a night earlier against a different opponent.

Newcastle Jets players celebrate with fans after beating Brisbane Roar 2-1. Picture: Ashley Feder / Getty Images

Newcastle coach Arthur Papas has slammed A-League officials for a sudden change to the Jets’ schedule which has them hosting A-League champions Melbourne City on Tuesday night.

The Jets, who beat Brisbane Roar 2-1 last Thursday night, were due to meet Perth Glory in Wollongong on Wednesday night.

However, a Covid-19 outbreak in the Glory squad led to an announcement late Friday afternoon from the Australian Professional Leagues, who run the A-League, that the game would be postponed.

The Glory’s scheduled weekend clash against City was also postponed.

It was then announced on Saturday night the Jets would instead host City on Tuesday night at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Making the Jets play 24 hours earlier against a different opponent has Papas fuming.

“It’s the first time in my career that something like that has happened – I’m not pleased about it,” the Jets coach said.

“That’s beyond challenging to do that to teams and coaches and players – to flick things like that when everything’s about planning and process.

“I know the circumstances are difficult for everyone, but for me it doesn’t sit well that these things happen.”

FINAL WORD | The Boss gives his thoughts about the rescheduling challenge

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Papas said the Jets would be forced to adapt.

“It changes everything,” he said.

“Come (Friday) afternoon, the boys had completed their recovery.

“We’d put certain medical procedures in place for certain players, knowing our next game was on Wednesday, to then be told we’re going to play a day earlier against a different opponent.

“We knew we were going to have a congested fixture, but we still wanted to be able to plan for that as much as possible.

“We can’t just flick things like that and expect everyone to come out and adjust like this.

“It’s really very difficult to make such an adjustment so late if you want to prepare to put on your best performances.”

While the Jets are chasing back-to-back wins, City is desperate to avoid consecutive defeats after a last-start 1-0 loss to Western United.

In a boost for the champions, key quartet Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, Connor Metcalfe and Marco Tilio will again be available after Socceroos duty, while attacking weapon Andrew Nabbout is set to return from injury.