Central Coast Mariners head coach Mark Jackson revealed the two-time reigning Isuzu UTE A-League champions are dealing with an “internal disciplinary matter” as he delivered a powerful message to his squad in a forthright post-game press conference.
The 10th-placed Mariners were swept aside 4-1 by league-leading Auckland FC at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford on Saturday – it was the second consecutive match Central Coast have conceded four goals in a match.
Asked what needed to improve heading into the New Year’s Eve showdown against Melbourne City on Tuesday night, Jackson added: “From certain ones, a better attitude in preparing for games. Simple.
“Like I said it’s an internal matter we will deal with. But I don’t think every one of the squad there prepared correctly for this game.”
Jackson, whose Mariners are four points outside the top six, continued: “Collectively we have to understand how we prepare. We have to understand who we are. We’ve haven’t got the superstars in our team or the best players.
“That wasn’t the case last year. But we were a team who worked hard, did the fundamentals, were connected. When we do that, we can be a strong team. But when we don’t prepare right and everybody, I mean everybody in the squad – not just 11 players not just the subs, is moving in the right direction and thinking the same that.
Asked if he thought there was an “entitlement culture” at the Mariners, Jackson replied: “I don’t think it’s an entitlement culture. I think it’s understanding what it takes to win.
“With young players sometimes, understanding what it takes to win isn’t just what you do on the pitch. It’s what you do before a game, it’s what you do when the eyes of a manager or coaches aren’t on you. That’s what it takes to win. That’s what being a professional is.
“Living your life 24/7 as a professional footballer. I said to the boys you’re in a privileged position.
“After the Macarthur game, I gave the boys some time off to spend with their families – it’s important on Christmas day. I said but you’re in a privileged position. A lot of people will give their right arm to do that and have that as a job.
Meanwhile, Jackson also hinted at some activity in the January transfer window.
“First and foremost I have to see if I can work in January,” he said. “Mike Charlesworth’s been very good since he came back in charge.
“He’s given me scope to tackle a couple of things but maybe after today we might need a few more so we will see.”
