Ernie Merrick convinced Newcastle Jets on course for A-League playoffs

Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick has slammed his players for a poor performance but says they will bounce back.

Coach Ernie Merrick says the Newcastle Jets can improve from some poor results to figure in the finals. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

Ernie Merrick called his players out for their insipid performance against Melbourne City on Sunday but the Newcastle Jets coach remains bullish his team will play a big part in the finals this season.

Merrick did not hold back, delivering a few home truths after last season’s beaten grand finalists were humbled 3-0 by City, leaving them in the bottom half of the table and already nine points behind unbeaten leaders Perth Glory with six rounds played.

“We gave away a very early goal and sometimes that spurs a team to lift, but that didn’t happen. It was an insipid performance,” Merrick said.

“It was really poor and I have to say I was very disappointed. We have a few issues with injuries and suspensions, but the more factors you mention, the more it sounds like excuses.

“The bottom line is we had 11 players out there and not all of them were competitive or as competitive as last season.

“I don’t mind losing games, I don’t mind if they make mistakes, but 100 per cent effort is required and too many in the team did not give 100 per cent effort.”

While he did not use it as an excuse, Merrick was also unhappy that his side has been forced to play four of the opening six games away from home.

“This idea of so many away games because stadiums are not available is not pleasant,” he said. “We had to go through it when I was at Wellington Phoenix.

“But I have to say, it wouldn’t have mattered had we been at home against City because if we played the way we did we would still struggle.”

While the Jets will play four of their next five games at home, Merrick wants everyone at the club to “have a long, hard look at ourselves”. “We all have to stand up, and that includes me as the coach,” he said.

While the top three of Perth, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC are starting to open up a gap on the Jets, Merrick feels his side will get it together sooner rather than later.

They showed their qualities last season, finishing second behind Sydney FC before losing the grand final to Melbourne Victory, because of a controversial goal.

At this stage last season the Jets were unbeaten in six games (four wins and two draws), were top of the table, and had scored 15 goals and conceded just six.

But the absence of key attackers such as Roy O’Donovan, who was suspended for 10 games after the grand final and still has two to serve, Jair and Joel Champness, has left their attacking options threadbare.

“Hopefully we will start to get those players back soon,” Merrick said. “Their absence has forced us to change our formation but once we get them back it will make a difference.

“As for talk about our position, I have said many times that there are 27 rounds to eliminate 40 per cent of the teams from the top six.

“Then, anyone in that top six can win the championship. You have to get in that top six and I am convinced we will do that.”

Newcastle will play Brisbane Roar at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday in a game that is already shaping as vital for both teams.

Neither can afford to lose for fear of slipping further behind the top four.