Jones demands more from Jets AL stars
Nov 20, 2016 - 6:08 PM Newcastle coach Mark Jones has called out his attacking stars for their inconsistent form, demanding that they have more to give in the A-League.The Jets failed to take advantage of a 10-man Central Coast, settling for a 1-1 draw at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, leaving them with just one win for the season so far.
A frustrated Jones had particular messages for key duo Andrew Nabbout and Morten Nordstrand, the latter of whom the Jets manager described as "our (Milos) Ninkovic".
It was Nordstrand's second-half equaliser that kickstarted the Jets against the Mariners but despite a glut of chances, couldn't find the match-winning goal.
"He's just lacking a bit of confidence at the moment," Jones said of Nordstrand.
"He had an injury at the start of the year, so he's just getting game fitness. He's getting better, but I think he's trying to make his way through the game.
"He holds himself (back) a little bit. He needs to give 100 per cent from the start. He holds himself then come second half, he run out the game quite well."
Jones said Nordstrand's game lifted following his goalscoring effort, his first for the season.
"Last 20 minutes after he scored, his touches on the ball were magnificent and he got involved in the play more. Maybe it's just a confidence thing and hopefully it is," Jones said.
"You saw what he can do and I've seen at training what he can do. He's magnificent player and he's our Ninkovic, so to speak."
Jones also challenged left winger Nabbout to improve his fitness, having only managed to last the full 90 minutes in one of his six appearances this season.
The 23-year-old laid on a long-range through ball for Nordstrand's effort but was substituted for Aleksandr Kokko in the 77th minute.
"Nabbout run out of legs at the end again which is a little disappointing. He needs to be able to play 90 minutes," Jones said.
Source: AAP
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