Newcastle Jets boss Ernie Merrick conceded his side might not be at full-throttle for their Westfield FFA Cup clash against fellow Hyundai A-League side Adelaide United next month.
The Jets have been drawn to play the Reds away from home in the Round of 32, with the clash to take place at Marden Sports Complex on Wednesday, August 9.
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The former Victory and Phoenix boss has only had his new-look side on the training pitch for just over a week after they returned for pre-season at the end of June.
But the Scotsman has been impressed with the quality of his players he has at his disposal so far.
Merrick wants to improve the style of football in the Hunter this season and is confident of doing that, although he admits they’ll be far from the finished article when they meet the Reds.
“I don’t think we’ll be 100% ready on the 9th of August when we play. But it’s very important we play good football,” Merrick said.
“Winning is very important [but] it’s more the style of football that we play to win every game and it’s on the front foot type of stuff.
Westfield FFA Cup Rd of 32 fixtures announced
“It’s another A-League quality game under pressure.
“Playing Adelaide away from home is pretty ideal for us because it gives us a bit of a yardstick as where you’re at compared to another A-League side.”
