A-League coach Rob Stanton goes on bizarre rant about young Newcastle Jets players with ‘silver spoon’ in their mouths and urges them to ‘punch on’
- Says increasing losses are a generational problem
- Wants to see his players fight for the club
- Claims they aren’t willing to put in the work
An Australian football coach has tackled a generational problem as his young side lost four games in a row.
The Newcastle Jets in the Australian A-League suffered another defeat this weekend, losing 1-0 to the Adelaide Reds.
In appalling conditions at the McDonald Jones Stadium, the Reds took the lead through Stefan Mauk in a dominant opening on Saturday.
Despite Ben Folami’s red card in the 64th minute and the hosts’ increasingly desperate efforts, Adelaide was 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 coach Rob Stanton welcomed it.
Newcastle Jets coach Rob Stanton is furious with his young players after four consecutive defeats
The coach said he might bring boxing gloves to training to get his young players ‘hitting’
“I hope they have more fights,” he said.
“I hope they start, you know, and let each other know.
‘Because that’s probably half the problem. They are too nice to each other.
“Maybe I’ll bring some boxing gloves and let them catch on. Because you know what? They need it, they really need it.
“I have to take some spoons out of their mouths, silver spoons, and teach them that this is your chance.”
‘You have to fight for this club. You have to fight for the fans.
“That’s a problem, buddy. I’m sorry, it’s a generational problem in my opinion where we are now.
‘We don’t have to work, sorry, I know you are young boys, but I’m just saying: this is how you are raised.
The coach’s comments come after teammates Eli Adams and Wellisol had a confrontation following the defeat in Adelaide
“You have to look at the history of how this country was built, it was built with the hands of people who came here.
“You have to appreciate what they did for you.
“When you walk onto the field, the fans see that. They see it when you fight.
“They will hit you if you fight, they will curse you if you don’t fight.”
Some supporters thought the coach had gone too far.
‘What will those players think about this? How will they feel about the leader who declares this so publicly? Is this likely to improve motivation or even confidence,” one Jets fan asked.
‘His comments to the players during play were condescending. No wonder they are in a slump. Not good leadership,” another added.
Others applauded his honesty.
“Oh no Rob hurt their little feelings, lol, harden the goodness. Agree with him,” one supportive person posted.
‘I love Robbie’s raw honesty, it’s so true. Hopefully they will take over and turn things around,” said another.
Undefeated Adelaide moved up to second on the A-League Men’s table after beating the Jets.
The three points earned take them above Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory in the standings, although the latter can regain their place if they beat Perth Glory on Sunday afternoon.
Adelaide quickly jumped on the Jets and could have taken the lead in the fourth minute when a heavy touch from Aleksandar Susnjar was pounced on by Archie Goodwin, but the former Jet was saved by Ryan Scott.
A slew of chances followed until Mauk finally converted in the 14th minute, turning in a Goodwin cross that rebounded off Scott to mark his 150th ALM appearance with a goal.