Phoenix import left in the dark
For the record, Goran Paracki wants to stay in Wellington for another season.
But the off-contract Phoenix midfielder has yet to have a conversation with the A-League club about an extension on his current deal. Unless that changes, Sunday’s match against Brisbane Roar could be his final game at Westpac Stadium.
One of 14 players off-contract at the end of the season, the 31-year-old Croatian said he plans to use the final four games to prove he is worth keeping on for another campaign.
‘‘It’s just a one-year deal still. I didn’t have any conversations about that. But I’m just focusing on my games, about the performance and the team,’’ Paracki said.
His situation has not been helped by the fact the Phoenix are still searching for a new coach, following Darije Kalezic’s departure. But if it was up to him, he would be staying in Wellington for at least another year.
‘‘I like to be here. I like the town. I like the league. The guys are awesome. So why not? My wife is here. Everything around me I’m satisfied [with].’’
‘‘But I must focus on my games. That’s only what you can do as a player. Of course you think about it but mainly you must think about the games and give a good performance. Based on that if you give a good performance then good stuff will come.’’
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against Brisbane, who stunned Sydney FC last weekend to move to within just two points of the top six, Paracki is hopeful of spoiling the Roar’s playoff run.
‘‘They’ll probably have big confidence after the Sydney game but we play a home game so we must show who is the boss on our field. Of course we are going for three points.’’
With six players – Roy Krishna, Michael McGlinchey, Sarpreet Singh, Tom Doyle, Matthew Ridenton and Alex Rufer – away on international duties, interim coach Chris Greenacre will have to dip into the reserve team to fill the void.
Sam Philip and Ollie Whyte appear the most likely candidates as they, along with another teenager, Calvin Harris, were invited to train with the first team yesterday.
Although Andrew Durante watched from the sidelines as he continues to nurse a hip flexor injury, the Phoenix skipper is expected to feature on Sunday.