The Wellington Phoenix have quickly refocussed after their derby day disappointment and turned their attentions to the two-time defending Isuzu UTE A-League champions.
The Phoenix will square off against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Sunday afternoon, seven months on from their pivotal last meeting which ultimately decided the 2023-24 premiership.
Mariners fullback Mikael Doka scored a 91st minute winner in their round 23 match in early April to draw Central Coast level with the Nix at the top of the ladder, but with a game in hand. They went on to win the premiership by two points.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano hasn’t needed to motivate his players this week.
“Our boys are refocussed now and looking forward to the next challenge,” Italiano told media before training on Friday.
“The boys that remain from last year they want to prove something and they want to go there and definitely pick up three points.”
The Mariners have started the season with three draws to sit a point behind the Nix, but Italiano still regards them as “a very tough opponent”.
“I think they’re a strong team, not only with the playing personnel. I think they have a very good team culture.
“Jacko (Central Coast coach Mark Jackson) has done a great job there. He’s also rebuilding at the moment and they’re showing signs of improving every week.
“I thought they were quite unlucky against Adelaide two weeks ago. They looked very dangerous when he made the substitutions in the second half, and they changed their playing style.
“We go into the game very alert and very respectful of the way they set-up and it’ll be a very hard game.”
Giancarlo Italiano remains committed to playing short from goal kicks, despite the error which led to Auckland’s breakthrough goal last week.
“It’s been part of our style since I took over as head coach. They’re my beliefs, you won’t shake me off those.
“I did the stats the other day and the amount of [short] goal kicks we’ve taken it’s like 580 and it’s the first time we’ve been punished for a turnover of possession in the six yard box.
“I remember being at the Super Clasico a while back and I saw [Barcelona goalkeeper] Victor Valdes give the ball away after a minute against Real Madrid and they ended up winning 3-1.
“Pep Guardiola was still screaming at them to keep playing out from the back. That’s a staple of their (Barcelona) philosophy and we’re no different.”
Italiano acknowledges his players can “be better in those moments” but believes his new-look squad is still a work in progress.
“The team is at an early stage of its evolution. It needs to mature and it needs to have these moments.
“It’s not going to be easy sailing with this team for maybe the first eight to 10 games, but once we understand what’s required, the expectation, the consistency and so on, then you’ll see the team thrive.”
Australian midfielder Paulo Retre is poised to make his Phoenix debut against Central Coast after missing the opening three rounds with a groin injury. Italiano is welcoming his return.
“He’s one of my favourite footballers in terms of his game awareness and game intelligence.
“We planned all pre-season with him and then when he got injured the week before Western United it pegged us back a little bit in terms of the chemistry and the dynamic of the team.
“He’s nowhere near match ready, but whatever time he gives us he’ll solidify that midfield.”
The fourth round Isuzu UTE A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners is scheduled to kick-off at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford at 6pm (4pm AEDT) Sunday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 3 in New Zealand, and on Paramount+ in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 6 April 2024 – Central Coast Mariners 2 Wellington Phoenix 1
All-time A-League head-to-head: Phoenix 19W, Mariners 19W & 10D.
Wellington Phoenix squad (two to be omitted):1. Josh OLUWAYEMI (gk), 3. Corban PIPER, 4. Scott WOOTTON (c), 6. Tim PAYNE, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Paulo RETRE, 9. Hideki ISHIGE, 10. David BALL, 11. Stefan COLAKOVSKI, 12. Mo AL-TAAY, 14. Alex RUFER (c), 15. Isaac HUGHES, 19. Sam SUTTON, 21. Marco ROJAS, 24. Oskar VAN HATTUM, 25. Kazuki NAGASAWA, 27. Matt SHERIDAN, 30. Alby KELLY-HEALD (gk), 39. Jayden SMITH, 41. Nathan WALKER.Unavailable: 18. Lukas KELLY-HEALD (injured).
Central Coast Mariners squad (two to be omitted): 1 Adam PAVLESIC (gk), 3. Brian KALTAK (c), 5. Noah SMITH, 8. Alfie McCALMONT, 9. Alou KUOL, 10. Mikael DOKA, 11. Vitor FEIJAO, 12. Lucas MAURAGIS, 15. Storm ROUX, 16. Harry STEELE, 17. Sabit NGOR, 24. Diesel HERRINGTON, 27. Sasha KUZEVSKI, 28. Will WILSON, 30. Jack WARSHAWSKY, 33. Nathan PAULL, 36. Haine EAMES, 37. Bailey BRANDTMAN, 40. Dylan PERAIC-CULLEN, 99. Ryan EDMONDSON.
Unavailable: 20. Trent SAINSBURY (injured).
