Phoenix falter in finishing off the job
Some time soon the Wellington Phoenix will put together a complete performance.
They has been plenty of promise in their two draws and two losses to start the A-League season, but playing well in patches or in limited facets of the game isn’t enough to get three points.
Take the last two weeks example.
The 1-0 loss away to Melbourne City on October 21 was full of merit because of their 60 per cent possession rate, but they only really had one decent chance to show for it. for Galloway to an unknown injury in the 25th minute, replaced by Dylan Fox.
Gui Finkler was only fit enough for 21 minutes, and when he came on it was for Dario Vidosic, who couldn’t see out the 90 minutes due to illness.
But that’s football. You can’t expect to have a fully fit squad at your disposal at all times of the season.
Kalezic was well aware of that, and said that the Phoenix should have been able to get the job done with the players they had at their disposal.
‘‘That is five players [with fitness issues] and that works against us, but still I think we have to be able, with the players we have, to win this game.’’
The Phoenix’s next chance to get their first win will be away to the Newcastle Jets next Saturday, where they will meet former coach Ernie Merrick for the first time since he resigned last December.
Ideally, a mix of the performances against City and the Roar would happen, but the Jets have started very well this season and will pose a tough challenge at home.