Roy Krishna of the Phoenix evades Massimo Murdocca of Melbourne City during the round 17 A-League match between against Melbourne City FC. Photo / Getty Images
Roy Krishna of the Phoenix evades Massimo Murdocca of Melbourne City during the round 17 A-League match between against Melbourne City FC. Photo / Getty Images
The Wellington Phoenix have gone from being the flavour of the month to a team which desperately needs to rediscover its winning touch.
The international break for the A-league has led to a disaster results-wise with one point out of nine for coach Ernie Merrick's men since the action resumed.
While still well positioned in fourth place, chasing teams have closed the gap. Just as significantly, visions of last year's dismal run-in which turned them from playoff contenders into wooden spoon candidates will start to appear. I'm still very confident in the quality of this team, but here are a few fine-tuning suggestions.
More players need to get tougher around the field, instead of leaving it to Ben Sigmund, Andrew Durante and Albert Riera. Melbourne City's attitude to the latest game highlighted this - Melbourne came to stop Wellington playing and ended up with more bookings than the Vector Arena. Roy Krishna in particular needs to add more bite to his game.
Nathan Burns, perhaps the best striker in the league, is receiving most of his passes in wide positions, with defenders in front of him and not enough support. In the last three games, he has had to go looking for the ball and lost his effectiveness because the break appears to have robbed the midfield of its prowess and dominance. Michael McGlinchey needs to get more involved.
The draw for the under-20s World Cup has been kind to New Zealand.
We have missed out on facing the South American powerhouses and European giants like Germany and Portugal. On paper, Ukraine, USA and unknown Myanmar are easier tasks although the Ukraine are being touted as underdog candidates to win the tournament. New Zealand plays Ukraine in its opening assignment at North Harbour Stadium on May 30.
Impressive. I have a liaison role with the Argentinian team and the officials from all teams seemed genuinely impressed with the overall facilities.
New star. Argentina's under-20s manager gave Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero their international debuts when they won the tournament in 2005 and 2007. He reckons current captain Angel Correa - signed to Atletico Madrid - is the next superstar.
B sting. All Whites coach Anthony Hudson will be delighted with the A-League form of Kosta Barbarouses but Barbarouses has had trouble bringing his best to the stage.
