There was a noticeable edge to Auckland FC’s training on Wednesday as they geared up for this weekend’s New Zealand derby against the Wellington Phoenix.
After a string of disappointing results – capped by last weekend’s rain-soaked home defeat to the struggling Newcastle Jets – the Black Knights are determinedto respond and extend their flawless record against the Phoenix, having triumphed in all four previous encounters.
The rivalry is quickly becoming one of the A-League’s most compelling derbies and both sides will be sensing an opportunity. For Auckland, it will be about getting back on track, while for Wellington, it’s about history.
Saturday’s clash takes place at Auckland’s Mt Smart fortress, a venue that holds bitter memories for the Phoenix. Their last visit ended in a crushing 6-1 defeat, the third-equal heaviest loss in the club’s A-League history. That humiliation alone ensures Wellington will arrive with a point to prove.
The build-up to this match has been quiet compared to previous encounters. Both clubs usually take potshots at one another on social media, but this time there is nothing which highlights the importance and pressure both sides must be under.
“Any derby game is a massive game and it’s going to be intense,” Auckland midfielder Jake Brimmer said. “They’re coming off the back of a good win and their confidence is going to be high.
“I’m sure they learned from last year from talking too much. Sometimes that doesn’t work. It’s going to be a fierce game and I’m sure both teams will have a good crack.
“Any game we want to win, so it doesn’t matter whether it’s the Nix or whoever it may be. We want to win every single football game and we’ll be looking to get five [derby wins] this week.”
Star striker Guillermo May is set to overcome a knee injury – which saw him miss the defeat to Newcastle – to take his place in the side while Rogerson will also play after serving his ban for getting sent off for the first time in his career against the Phoenix last month.
Auckland FC coach Steve Corica. Photo / Photosport
Auckland coach Steve Corica said the derby arrives at the perfect time for his players to respond to their first defeat of the season.
“Everyone’s been looking forward to the derby for a long time,” Corica said. “We’re disappointed we didn’t get the points last week because we created many chances.
“The derby is always special and they’ve been going in our favour the last four times. We want that to continue, but we’re going to have to put in a lot of hard work.”
Corica is anticipating the Phoenix will continue to play with their high-pressing line, which Auckland exposed inside the first minute in their last outing.
But he’s warned against complacency, especially given Wellington’s strong showing in their win over Adelaide.
“They’ll be full of confidence. Any win builds confidence,” Corica said. “For us, it’s about how we respond.
“We created more clear chances against Newcastle and now it’s about taking them. The moment you take your foot off the pedal, you know what’s going to happen.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
