Why Phoenix passed on Rojas
Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay has defended his decision to pass on All Whites star Marco Rojas, despite the former Johnny Warren medallist electing to return to the A-League.
Rojas has signed a 21⁄2-year deal with Melbourne Victory, significantly strengthening the powerhouse club’s top-six credentials after a poor start to their 2019-20 campaign.
The 28-year-old became a free agent this month following the expiration of his contract with Danish SuperLiga club SonderjyskE.
But the Phoenix opted against making a play for the sought-after winger, who started his professional contract in Wellington in 2009, leaving rivals Victory and Melbourne City to battle it to secure for his services.
‘‘At the end of the day players will go to clubs where they feel comfortable and he’s been there previously so I think it was an easy decision for him to go,’’ Talay said.
But Talay said he has no regrets, believing he has sufficient depth and quality in the forward positions, particularly when Olyroo Reno Piscopo returns from international duty.
‘‘I think he’s a great player and he’s going to add a lot of value to Melbourne Victory.
‘‘However, for me at the end of the day it’s not just about bringing in players for the sake of bringing players, it’s players that fit into what we want to do as well.
‘‘We’re trying to create a good foundation of good young players moving forward and at this stage he didn’t fit into our plans moving forward so that’s the reason why we didn’t go down that path.’’
The Phoenix made just the one signing this month, recruiting 22-year-old Australian Brandon Wilson on an 18-month contract.
Wilson, who covers midfield and right-back, is poised to make his club debut against last-place Newcastle Jets tonight.