Timely wake-up call for Phoenix

Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay was at a loss to explain his side’s below-par performance in Melbourne last night but felt the increased expectations on the Phoenix may have affected the players.

Oskar Zawada scored for the Phoenix in Melbourne last night.
Photo: Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz

The Phoenix sit fourth on the A-League standings but a win last night would have lifted them to second.

Melbourne Victory’s 3-1 rout ended the Phoenix’s unbeaten run in the A-League with the previously out-of-form Melbourne side reversing their slump.

Victory scored three unanswered goals after in-form striker Oskar Zawada gave the Phoenix a dream start.

Wellington coach Ufuk Talay said he was unsure why his players were unable to push on after a rip-roaring start.

“It was a weird one. In the changing room it was quite quiet before the game,” Talay said.

“I don’t know if the boys were a little bit timid, or the expectation of where we’re sitting currently on the table – what’s expected of the group to move forward.

“We’ll have a look at the game and speak to the players again.”

With three upcoming matches on the road this month, Talay said they need to find some answers before their round 16 match against Macarthur on Sunday week.

In potential changes to the Wellington side’s roster, Talay said he’s working behind the scenes to sign of a local player.

– RNZ