The coach of Phoenix promises a new configuration, a new look, and to wow the crowd.
On Friday night, the Wellington Phoenix will usher in a new era in Queensland when they are led by new head coach Giancarlo Italiano for the first time.
Italiano’s first competitive game after taking over as the men’s head coach in April is the round of 32 Australia Cup match versus Peninsula Power at Redcliffe.
Italiano told the reporters, “On a personal note, it’s exciting, but it’s more of a fleeting thought than anything.”
Together with the team, my primary goals are to ensure that we meet our objectives, uphold our moral standards, amuse the crowd, and utilize this as a springboard for the upcoming campaign.
“Whether the next game is in two weeks or at the beginning of the season, we want to see some consistency from what we’ve done over the last five weeks so that we can build on that.”
Main image: Italian Giancarlo… “It’s ugly, and I’m not happy.”
“I am living the dream every day.”
This is not the first competitive match that he has managed the Phoenix in. When Ufuk Talay was forced to isolate himself due to Covid-19, Italiano filled in for two A-League matches during the 2021–22 Isuzu UTE A–League, leading the Nix to victories over Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar.
Italiano feels at ease in the head coaching position after serving as Talay’s primary assistant for three years.
“I adore my work.” For me, I’m living the dream each and every day.
I’m having a great time with my employees. The guys are really getting into what we’re doing because we’ve built a really positive environment.
A fresh approach to play was adopted for the upcoming season.
Developing a new playing style is one of the things he and his crew are attempting to accomplish.
It will seem drastically different. The fundamental ideas will remain the same, but I’ll add my own flavor and start from a different place.
“We’re excited to attempt to execute on Friday, and the lads are really enjoying the new shape and approach.
For our players, it’s invigorating in a manner since everything is brand-new, training isn’t the same, and our schedule has changed. Things have been really interesting for us.
“We want to thrill the crowd and instill a strong sense of football pride in Phoenix fans.” We’ll be a thrilling squad to watch, in my opinion.
Thus, defeating Peninsula Power and…
“It’s ugly, and I’m not happy.”Never once have I heard a coach express a desire to lose a game. Every game is a must-win for me, but I place more emphasis on the process and making sure we gain the necessary knowledge from it than I do on winning.
Because both the players and I won’t be satisfied if it’s unsightly. Playing well, achieving the desired outcome, and having fun are the most important things to me. From there, we may expand.
fresh hires In addition to Josh Rudland, Ben Wallace, Kaelin Nguyen, Fergus Gillion, and academy players Fergus Gillion, all of whom are members of the touring party, Mohamed Al-Taay, Jack Duncan, and Lukas Kelly-Heald are in line to make their first team debuts for the Phoenix.
fresh signee Due to suspension, Fin Conchie was unable to go to Brisbane, while Ben Old, an offensive midfielder, is still out with a long-term injury.
After making it to the quarterfinals the previous two seasons, this is the club’s ninth attempt at the Australia Cup.
The adversaries
Peninsula Power, their first opponents, are participating in the round of 32 for the third consecutive year. They also made the last eight the previous year.
Although Peninsula Power is now tied with the top-of-the-table Gold Coast Knights in the National Premier Leagues Queensland, they have won their last 11 league games.
It will just be the second Australia Cup game played in Queensland by the Phoenix. In Ufuk Talay’s debut game in command, the Brisbane Strikers defeated the Phoenix 4-2 on penalties in 2019.
In their three prior Cup outings, Peninsula Power has not defeated A-League opponents.
Fixture: Friday, August 4, 2023 is the game.
Round of 32 for the Australia Cup
Wellington Phoenix vs. Peninsula Power A.J. Kelly Park, Redcliffe, 9.30 p.m. (NZT)
How to observe
Football Australia’s YouTube channel in New Zealand and 10 Play in Australia will both carry live coverage of the game.
Phoenix team
3. Scott WOOTON, 4. Finn SURMAN, 6. Tim Payne 7. Barberouses Kosta, 9. Oskar Zawada 10. David Ball Bozhidar KRAEV, 11. 12. Al-Taay Mohamed 14. Alex RUFER (c), 15. Sam SUTTON, 18. Lukas Kelly-Heald, 19. Nicholas PENNINGTON Oskar Van Hathum, 24 25. Greek: Jack DUNCAN 34. Josh RUDLAND Ben Wallace, 36 40. GK Alex PAULSEN 41. Fergus Gilliam, 42. Kaelin Nguyen.
