Nix sticking with emphasis on defence

WELLINGTON: Two losses have not prompted the Wellington Phoenix to ditch faith in its defensive methods heading into Saturday’s ALeague match against Adelaide United.

A week off for the international window has been time for the New Zealand club to break down what went wrong in setbacks against Western Sydney Wanderers (30) and Melbourne City (20).

Those results spoiled a solid start to Mark Rudan’s coaching tenure and adds importance to the visit of sixthplaced Adelaide, which sits one point and one place above it.

Rudan has made defence the foundation stone of his planned Phoenix revival.

It set up its opening win over Newcastle and subsequent scoreless draw away to Brisbane.

Centre back Dylan Fox (24) said the two losses had only hardened the team’s resolve, believing the Melbourne City scoreline did not accurately reflect what he described as a disciplined defensive outing.

It was only brilliant goals from imports Ritchie de Laet and Bruno Fornaroli to separate the teams, Fox said.

‘‘They didn’t really make any chances other than those two good strikes outside the box,’’ he said.

‘‘I feel like we were hard to break down and we can take positives out of that game.

‘‘Anyone who comes to Wellington, you want it to be a hard game for them. That’s what we set out for this year — we’re going to be a hard team to beat.’’

Australian Fox made his first appearance of the season in Melbourne and 32nd in total for the Phoenix, the junior member of a back three comprising skipper Andrew Durante and Newcastle United veteran Steven Taylor.

The Phoenix is likely to be at full strength, with forward Nathan Burns available again following the birth of his son on the day of the Melbourne match.

Former Socceroo Burns came off the bench in the first three games and may be a consideration to start, given Rudan’s men have failed to score since the opening weekend.