The Jets were thrashed 6-0 by Pohang Steelers in the last 16 of the ACL last night with van Egmond admitting a lack of competitive match action had hindered preparations.

Speaking to the AFC's official website, the Jets boss said: "We conceded two goals in the first-half but we weren't able to play better in the second-half.

"Our defensive line was vulnerable. I prepared a lot to reach the last 16 stage but the result is very disappointing.

"I thought Pohang would come out with 3-5-2 but they played 4-4-2 instead. It was a surprise. As we're not playing league games in Australia, it was a bit difficult to prepare for a highly competitive game like this."

There will be little time for the Jets to lick their wounds though with the new A-League campaign a little more than a month away.

Van Egmond is confident that the club can draw a line under the ACL now and focus on ridding themselves of the wooden spoon that they ended the last domestic campaign with.

"Anyway, it's over now, and the new season will start in August. We have plenty of time to pull ourselves together," he said.

Newcastle open the new A-League season with a clash against Wellington Phoenix on August 9.