Nix progress impresses Rudan
The Wellington Phoenix are ahead of where coach Mark Rudan thought they would be at this stage of the season.
Rudan put a plan in place when he was appointed coach for what he expected his squad to be capable by certain points of their A-League campaign.
But when his side lost three in a row from rounds three to five, he said he had to accelerate his programme.
‘‘A few weeks ago I brought the progression that was always planned forward, did it a bit earlier. They’ve taken to it like a duck to water. They’ve all bought in to what we’re trying to do now.’’
The result has been seven points from their last three games, winning two matches in a row for the first time since April 2017 after their comfortable 2-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
But Rudan said they could still get a lot better than what they showed against the Mariners, where first-half goals to Louis Fenton and Sapreet Singh helped them easily account for the cellar-dwellers.
‘‘I don’t think the performance was as good as last week, or even the week before, but it was still good. Maybe that’s me being demanding. Maybe that’s me wanting as close to perfection as possible.
‘‘From that moment when we changed certain things, it’s been good. We’re in a good place, but there is a lot of football still to play, but we continue down this path.’’
During this three-match run, Rudan has made only one enforced change to his starting XI for each match – goalkeeper Filip Kurto missed the middle win over Sydney FC because of concussion.
The 10 outfield players have stayed the same, but Rudan said that did not mean anyone should feel comfortable.
‘‘It really is a week-to-week proposition. You’ve got to be on your toes. I’ve made that very very clear. The day I see someone coming out there going through the motions, be it at training or in a game, they’re out. You are out. Simple as that. I made it very clear at the start when I first came to the football club.‘‘
Rudan might be forced into a change after converted centre back Michal Kopczynski went off at halftime on Saturday with a minor hamstring tweak and was replaced by Tom Doyle.
He should be fine to take his place against Brisbane Roar next Saturday, but Doyle did acquit himself well in the second half.
A win over the Roar would guarantee the Phoenix of a place in the top six come Christmas. They sit fifth as of Sunday afternoon, with two matches still to go in the round.