Chris Greenacre has taken over as head coach of the Wellington Phoenix men following Giancarlo Italiano’s resignation.
The club legend, who played 84 matches for the Phoenix from 2009 to 2012 before spending the next nine years as a first team assistant coach, will prepare the men for Sunday’s round 19 Isuzu UTE A-League match against Sydney FC at the renamed Hnry Stadium in Wellington.
Greenacre is stepping up from his role at the Phoenix academy, where he has been the head of pro development and men’s reserves head coach for the past four seasons.
He is in ongoing discussions with the club about the head coaching position for rest of the A-League season and beyond.
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Greenacre for stepping into the role at short notice.
“We’re very lucky to have someone of Greeny’s calibre at the club,” Gill said.
“He’s a great coach and person, on top of being a Phoenix icon, and he’s done a tremendous job at the academy over the past four years preparing our young men’s players for professional football.
“These are difficult circumstances but Greeny didn’t hesitate when I asked if he could take charge. He loves the Phoenix and wants to restore some pride in the club.
“All of his focus is now on Sunday’s match against Sydney FC.
This is the fourth time Chris Greenacre has been appointed the Phoenix men’s interim head coach.
“It’s not the first time I’ve done this, but it doesn’t get any easier,” Greenacre said.
“Coming in this morning was quite difficult for me. We have to move on quickly as a club, but you never forget what’s gone before you.
“I want to pay tribute to Chiefy. He led the Phoenix to their best ever season, narrowly missing out on the premiers’ plate and a place in the grand final, and that shouldn’t be forgotten.
“He’s a top person as well and dedicated the best part of seven years of his life to the club.
“I wish him all the best in the next chapter in his career and hopefully our paths cross soon.”
Greenacre says everyone at the club is hurting following the 5-0 derby defeat on Saturday and are determined to make amends this Sunday.
“I wasn’t involved in it, but I’m still hurting. I’m a fan first and foremost.
“We want to get some pride back in the badge and what the Phoenix represent.
“It’s a big game for our players from a personal perspective. When you don’t have a great result you can’t wait for the next game to come around quickly, so you can get back to what you do well.
“The players will be chomping at the bit to get back on the field in front of our home supporters and restore some pride.”
The Phoenix are also looking for a new assistant coach as Italiano’s right hand man Kelly Guimarães has resigned too, effectively immediately.
The Brazilian was appointed to the lead assistant role for the 2025-26 season, but has stood down in the wake of the derby defeat.
The club thanks Kelly for his contribution to the club over the past seven months.
