John Koutroumbis insists that Newcastle Jets cannot get complacent as they go into the upcoming clash against Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
The Jets began their 2020-21 A-League campaign with four straight losses as the drama concerning unpaid debts and ownership problems made their way into poor performances on the pitch.
But the lifeline thrown by other clubs rescuing the struggling outfit appeared to quell the rocky run as they are now undefeated in four matches.
The recent appointment of Craig Deans as the head coach until the end of next season has seen fortunes look up for Newcastle, while Victory are looking to rise up from the dead as they are currently at the bottom of the table.
The Melbourne-based outfit have won only one of their last six games and have scored fewer goals than any other club in the competition. But the 22-year-old defender believes that it makes the Victorian men all the more dangerous.
“Teams like Victory are obviously going through a patch where they can’t win,” Koutroumbis said on the club’s official website.
“But I think that’s the most dangerous part. I think you can’t underestimate the underdog.
“Newcastle were a great example where we made the Grand Final [in 2018]. I think everyone took us a bit too lightly and we made it to the finals.
“So it’s important that we don’t get complacent and get ahead of ourselves. We’re four games without a loss, but we have to keep our head on our shoulders and go into the next game prepared and ready.”
Victory fans will undoubtedly be happy with the return of midfielder Callum McManaman, who has missed the last four matches for his side due to injury.
The ex-Wigan Athletic man has in the past plied in trade in the Premier League and the Championship in England, and signed with the Melbourne outfit prior to the start of the season on a two-year contract.
Koutroumbis added: “McManaman – you’ve got to put the respect on him. He’s played in one of the best leagues in the world. You can’t take him lightly.
“Like I said, they have lost games. But you have to go into that preparing yourself as in they’re going to put out the best team on the park and we’ve got to perform.”
Newcastle Jets take on Melbourne Victory at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Sunday.
