Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano remains optimistic about his team's future, even as they navigate through some challenging times. On March 16, 2025, Italiano addressed the media following his team's hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium, marking the end of their four-match losing streak.
Reflecting on the current state of the A-League season, Italiano acknowledged, "It’s probably a reflection on where we’re at at the moment. We’ve had some blowouts in the last few weeks. It’s been more about getting players fit and ready. There’s no lack of desperation from the boys; it just hasn’t clicked.” Despite these challenges, Italiano emphasized his belief in the team's potential for improvement.
The draw against Sydney, which saw Kosta Barbarouses score his 101st A-League goal, was significant not only for its immediate impact on the standings but also for its potential to re-ignite team morale. The match started on the back foot for Wellington when Adrian Segecic scored for Sydney FC just seven minutes in, placing immediate pressure on the Phoenix side. Yet, they showed resilience and fought back, leveling the match just before halftime.
Italiano, who was visibly pleased with the effort from his players, stated, "I’m extremely proud. It was easy to give up after one-nil. I’m disappointed at the end we didn’t win because we actually had some really good moments there to transition and capitalize.” This perspective reflects not just the scoreline but the broader narrative of hope and potential improvement he is fostering within the team.
When asked about the difficulties his team has faced, Italiano highlighted the impact of injuries, particularly concerning their overreliance on Barbarouses for goals. He noted, "The main frustration is probably the fact there’s an overreliance on Kosta (Barbarouses), because he’s got all the goals at the moment. It's been very hard to get fluidity in the front third.”
Going forward, Italiano believes it is simply about finding the spark to transform their play. He remarked, "We just need one good performance. It could come Sunday. We might play terribly, score one goal, win 1-0, and then the confidence is back.” This highlights his acknowledgment of the struggles surrounding confidence which often influences player performance on the field.
Before the match, the team had experienced fluctuations due to numerous injuries affecting key players, including goalkeeper Alby Kelly-Heald, who suffered a shoulder injury during training and was ruled out. Thanks to the depth of his squad, Italian managed to implement changes, leading to modifications in the lineup which included introducing Josh Oluwayemi and Paulo Retre. These adjustments were intended to address the fatigue and injuries plaguing the team.
Looking back at their performance against Sydney FC, analysts remark on how the Phoenix began to show signs of cohesion. Despite dominating possession at certain moments during the match, the team maintained pressure and often tested Sydney’s defense through counterattacking opportunities. After Barbarouses equalized just before halftime, it showcased their fighting spirit; his goal was initially ruled offside but was overturned by the Video Assistant Referee, confirming the legitimacy of his strike.
Post-match, Italiano expressed hopes this draw could serve as a turning point. “This result tonight will go a long way to getting us to where we need to. My job now is to build belief in the group and to stick to being humble and hard-working and let the football sort itself out,” he said. He stressed the importance of consolidative performance as they prepare for their next fixture against Western Sydney Wanderers on March 29, 2025, as the A-League brews toward its climax.
The Wellington Phoenix view their upcoming matches as opportunities to turn the tides of their season. Italiano's focus remains steadfast on nurturing confidence and fostering the right environment for the players to thrive, as they learn from this season's challenges. He concluded, “People’s expectation...that we’re going to be ready overnight is unrealistic. When confidence is down, it’s harder to play football,” acknowledging the learning curve they have experienced.
With their spirits apparently lifted by the draw, the Wellington Phoenix aim to build on this momentum. They continue to navigate the season, hoping to convert this experience and hardworking attitude, all under the watchful eye of their dedicated fans. The players are motivated to justify the faith of their supporters, and after recent discussions, there is newfound optimism as they look forward to what lies ahead as they gear up for their next match, hopeful of another positive outcome.