Phoenix show promise in loss
The level of fight and persistence to the final whistle from the Wellington Phoenix against Sydney FC is cause for optimism.
The Phoenix lost 3-2 at Allianz Stadium on Sunday night, but coach Darije Kalezic was pleased with his side’s performance against the defending Hyundai A-League champions, especially with how they finished the game.
‘‘To comeback from 2-0 and 3-1 down and still make a game, they showed heart and a unified atmosphere as a team. The team deserves compliments for the performance.’’
It hasn’t always been a trait of the Phoenix to finish strongly, particularly away from home. But they caused Sydney problems all night, matching them in possession and shots on target.
They went down 2-0 after Sydney got on top of them midway through the first half. Kalezic said they were playing too high up the field during that period, allowing Sydney to exploit them in behind.
Andrija Kaludjerovic’s goal got them back into the game before halftime, as did Dario Vidosic’s midway through the second spell after Bobo had restored Sydney’s two-goal cushion just after halftime.
The Phoenix could have got a point out of the match late on when Ali Abbas was put through down the left flank with Hamish Watson free in the middle, only for Abbas to be incorrectly adjudged as offside by the linesman.
Kalezic was quizzed after the match about what weaknesses he had seen in Sydney’s gameplan and how he got his side to exploit them, but was understandably tight-lipped.
‘‘Do I have to tell you now?’’ he said.
‘‘We have to play two times more against Sydney, so I think I’m going to use that for myself, I’m sorry.’’
He expected his side to continue to get better, again emphasising that they had started behind all the other teams after a pre-season when they played only two A-League opposition as the season neared.
‘‘I believe we can improve much, much more than where we are now.
‘‘This is the fourth game in four months that we play [against A-League teams].
‘‘We’ve only played once or twice with the same team until now, Sydney FC play with the same team for many, many games. It’s much easier if players play many games together.
‘‘This is the beginning. It’s clear that we are facing a new page for the Wellington Phoenix and a new process and all processess will take time.’’
There are a few injuries to worry about as they prepare for a second-straight away game next Saturday against Melbourne City.
Captain Andrew Durante limped off injured with nine minutes to go, while fellow centre back Marco Rossi missed the trip to Sydney with a groin injury. He should be back next weekend, along with midfielder Gui Finkler, who should have recovered from his calf strain in time to make his season debut.