Wellington Phoenix players have revealed how they heard about former manager Giancarlo Italiano’s departure from the club.
The Australian resigned from his role after his now former side were thrashed 5-0 in the New Zealand derby by Auckland FC.
Defender Isaac Hughes revealed he learned of Italiano’s decisionthrough teammate Corban Piper’s mum.
“Found out through Corban Piper’s mum actually on the drive home and, I don’t know, at first I was like, ’Is that real?’ Like I didn’t believe it,” Hughes said.
The 21-year-old was upset with the decision because of how big a role Italiano had played in his and other young squad members’ careers.
“We were all pretty disappointed because Chief gave us all our first pro contracts and we owe a lot to him and he’s really supported us as people and as footballers and then to find out that he’s resigned it was pretty upsetting.”
Giancarlo Italiano resigned after Wellington Phoenix lost 5-0 to Auckland FC. Photo / Photosport, Ryan Imray
Hughes said he hadn’t seen his former coach since he left, but had sent him a message which Italiano replied to, but did not give any further details.
Phoenix captain and longest-serving player Alex Rufer said he found out about the resignation straight after the game against Auckland had finished.
“We were just told that obviously Chief had resigned and that Greeny was coming in to take his place and take the club moving forward for the rest of the season,” Rufer said.
“So it was pretty short and sharp. We know as players we need to have a good response and that’s going to come on Sunday.”
Greenacre is taking charge of the Phoenix for the fourth time as interim coach.
The Wellington side faces a third-placed Sydney FC this weekend, who have put up mixed results recently, with only two wins in their past five matches.
