Re-signed Rufer rates Phoenix coach highly

Alex Rufer has urged Wellington Phoenix to keep hold of Mark Rudan, crediting the coach for unlocking his true potential.

The 22-year-old has been in career-best form for the Phoenix this season, amassing 19 appearances and forming a strong partnership alongside Spanish import Mandi in the middle of the park.

That form has earned him a one-year contract extension, announced by the club yesterday.

‘‘I’m happy that I’m playing a lot and it’s just a bit of a reward for all the games I’ve been playing. I’m stoked to put pen to paper and now I’m just focussed on making the finals,’’ Rufer said.

Rufer said the chance to continue working with Rudan — who has been widely linked with a move to expansion club Western United — ultimately swung his decision to commit to a seventh season with Wellington, even if his coach’s future at the club remains up the air.

‘‘He has helped me become more of a leader and he’s brought out a bit more of mongrel in me that I didn’t have before. There’s a lot of little things and I could go on but he’s just been massive for not only the team but myself with his player management. He’s got the best out of me, so full credit to him.,’’ Rufer said.

‘‘He’s very honest, he’s very good with feedback. I asked him numerous times in pre-season, when I came back, ‘what can I do to get back into the first team?’ He’d tell me what I needed to improve on and I’d work on those things. But not even just for me – I think he’s been massive for the whole club.’’