KEY POINTS:
Don't blame the Wellington Phoenix's woes solely on an over-generous defence.
So says Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, who left with his team on Friday for a week-long road trip which includes matches in Adelaide today and Perth on Friday night.
Having lost their past three games, another two
defeats are likely to see the Phoenix return home bottom of the A-League.
Wellington have conceded more goals than any other team and their defence has come under even more scrutiny after last Sunday's 2-1 injury-time defeat to the Mariners.
Both Central Coast goals were scored after Phoenix defensive errors but Herbert said it was wrong to point the finger exclusively at the back four.
"There are multiple things we could do better. We're looking at the whole team, taking a holistic approach," he said.
There was more to Sasho Petrovski's injury-time winner last weekend than Jeremy Christie's failed back pass, said Herbert.
He pointed out that, in the moments before the goal, the Phoenix failed to take a scoring opportunity then gave away the ball and allowed it to be played forward too easily.
Herbert worked with his players this week on being more decisive with the ball.
"The first option is usually the best one. We need to keep the ball moving a little quicker than we have done."
He admitted the fact that the Phoenix had conceded the first goal inside the opening 20 minutes in seven of their nine games was worrying.
With A-League teams restricted to 23 players, Herbert couldn't make wholesale changes to his defence even if he wanted. Potential defensive replacements Steven Old and Cleberson have not looked any steadier than the regular starters.
Compounding Herbert's problems is the one-match suspension of Karl Dodd, one of Wellington's better defenders, who picked up his fourth booking of the season last weekend. Dodd will join the team in Perth tomorrow.
Asked if there would currently be a harder place to try and break a three-game losing streak than Adelaide, Herbert said: "Maybe not. They're a good side and at home, they'll be even tougher."
Adelaide are second but have played just three of their nine matches at home this season, taking seven points from a possible nine. The South Australians have gone six games unbeaten, a club record.
"But we're capable of getting something from this game," said Herbert. "There's no doubt we can match any team in this league."
"We had some spark back last weekend. We created enough chances to win and we certainly shouldn't have lost."
Other positives from the Mariners match for Herbert included the shot-stopping of goalkeeper Glen Moss and the fact Tim Brown and Vince Lia played 90 minutes for the first time this season.
Ahmad Elrich also marked his home debut with a superb goal and his impact should grow once he gets match fit. Felipe's return after two weeks out with injury gives the Phoenix another creative outlet.
Herbert acknowledged that fielding a midfield that has barely played together puts Wellington at a disadvantage against sides in their third season together.
"It was always going to take a little more time. In season two, we won't have these teething problems."
Several key Adelaide players are injured, with defender Angelo Costanzo and Golden Boot contender Bruce Djite the most recent casualties.
Jonas Salley, who impressed for the struggling Knights last season, has also been ruled out of today's game after picking up a late injury.
While Wellington's past three games have all ended in 2-1 defeats, Herbert felt last Sunday's performance was a step up from the previous two weeks.
