Phoenix enjoying greater freedom in second hub
GOLD COAST: Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay says greater freedom is making a difference as his team prepares for an ALeague season wholly on Australian soil.
The Phoenix has relocated to Wollongong in New South Wales for the 202021 ALeague season due to the closure of the international border between Australia and New Zealand.
While still hopeful the transtasman border may reopen next year and allow the Phoenix to return to Wellington, Talay believes his team will not be pining for the comforts of home over the coming months.
It is the second time this year the Phoenix has had to move temporarily to Australia due to Covid19 travel restrictions.
Unlike last season though, the Wollongong move includes families and partners and separate accommodation, something Talay said had been of great benefit.
‘‘We had a threeweek preseason camp and now the players have all moved into their places where they’re going to be living whilst we play the season in
Australia,’’ the exSydney FC midfielder said.
‘‘There was a little bit more normality to it than it what it was previously when we were confined to a hotel and the training ground and then a stadium. ‘‘That has helped.
‘‘We’re not on top of each other and people have got their own spaces.’’
The Phoenix will kick off its season away to Brisbane on December 29, with its first match at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium being against Talay’s old club— defending champions Sydney FC — on January 2.
Mexican playmaker Ulises Davila and All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic are expected to join the squad after completing their quarantine periods in coming days, while Talay also hinted the club is set to sign one more overseas player before the season start.
He also said the ability to play four preseason friendlies against ALeague opposition next month was another unexpected benefit to the team’s Australian relocation.
‘‘This is probably a little bit easier with the amount of ALeague teams in NSW, so I’m hoping it’ll be a better preparation.’’ — AAP