Players block out speculation

Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante is doing his best to ignore the growing speculation surrounding the future of coach Mark Rudan ahead of an important match against bottom-place Central Coast Mariners.

Rudan’s uncertain future has been a major talking point in recent weeks and has drawn the attention away from tomorrow’s showdown with the A-League’s bottom place side. Rudan has struggled living away from his family and interest from expansion clubs Western United and Macarthur South West Sydney could lure him back to Australia.

Durante refused to weigh in on the topic when he fronted the media after training yesterday. Asked if he would accept Rudan’s early departure if it was due to family reasons, Durante said he was focussed only on beating the Mariners and pushing for a place in the top-four.

‘‘To be honest at the moment that’s not really my concern. My concern is this season and at the moment he’s the head coach of Wellington Phoenix,’’ Durante said.

"We’ve got an almighty battle ahead of us until the end of the season to make the playoffs and that’s all I’m focussed on.

‘‘I know the media is always after some more stories and scoops but I don’t have the answers for that, all I have the answers for is that the boys are ready, we understand the significance of this game on Saturday and how important it is for us to get fourth spot and potentially a home final.’’

A win against the Mariners would alleviate some of the pressure coming from seventh-place Newcastle Jets, who moved to within just two points of the Phoenix after upsetting Melbourne Victory last week. It would also provide a massive boost to the Phoenix’s top-four aspirations.