- He says growing losses are a generational issue
- He wants to see his players fight for the club
- He claims they are not willing to do the work.
An Australian football coach has criticized a generational issue for the reason his young team has lost four games in a row.
The Newcastle Jets of the Australian A-League suffered another defeat at the weekend, beaten 1-0 by the Adelaide Reds.
In debilitating conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, the Reds took the lead through Stefan Mauk during a dominant opening.
Despite Ben Folami’s red card in the 64th minute, the hosts’ increasingly desperate efforts, Adelaide were able to see out the match.
That led to an altercation between frustrated Jets teammates Eli Adams and Wellisol.
Instead of making excuses for their confrontation, Newcastle manager Rob Stanton applauded him.
Newcastle Jets coach Rob Stanton is furious with his young players after four straight defeats
The coach said he could bring boxing gloves to training to help his young players “hit”
“I hope they have more altercations,” he said.
‘I hope they start, you know, letting each other know.
Because there that’s probably half the problem. They are too nice to each other.
You could bring some boxing gloves and let them keep punching. Because you know what? They need it, they really need it.
‘I need to take some spoons out of their mouths, silver spoons, and show them that this is your chance.’
“You have to fight for this club. You have to fight for the fans.
‘That’s a problem my friend. Sorry, where we are now is a generational problem in my opinion.
‘We don’t have to work, I’m sorry, I know you’re young, but I’m just saying that’s how you were raised.
The coach’s comments come after teammates Eli Adams and Wellisol had a falling out following the defeat in Adelaide.
‘You have to look at the history of the way this country was built, it was built with the hands of the people who came here.
‘You have to appreciate what they have done for you.
“When you walk on the field, the fans see it. They see when you fight.
“They will applaud you when you fight, they will boo you when you don’t fight.”
Some fans felt the coach had gone too far.
‘What will those players think of this? How will they feel about the leader doing this so publicly? Is this likely to improve motivation or even confidence? one Jets fan asked.
‘His comments to the players while they were playing were condescending. No wonder they are in a crisis. “It’s not good leadership,” added another.
Others applauded his honesty.
‘Oh no, Rob has hurt his little feelings lol, harden kindness. “Agree with him,” posted one supported.
‘I love Robbie’s raw honesty, it’s so true. Let’s hope they accept it and change things,โ said another.
Unbeaten Adelaide moved into second place in the A-League Men’s table after defeating the Jets.
The three points earned will see them leapfrog Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory in the standings, although the latter can regain their place by defeating Perth Glory on Sunday afternoon.
Quickly jumping on the Jets, Adelaide could have been ahead in the fourth minute when Archie Goodwin attacked a strong touch from Aleksandar Susnjar, only for Ryan Scott to parry his attempt from the former Jet.
A series of chances followed until Mauk finally converted in the 14th minute, converting a Goodwin cross that had bounced off Scott to mark his 150th MLA appearance with a goal.