A-League
Phoenix Ready for Perth Glory Challenge in A-League
As the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season unfolds, Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano is gearing up for a spirited battle against Perth Glory in the first distance derby of the season. After suffering a crushing 6-1 defeat to Macarthur FC in the opening round, Perth Glory is expected to come back with renewed energy and determination for this weekend’s showdown at HBF Park, Perth. Italiano anticipates an intense matchup, emphasizing the importance of Phoenix staying alert against a team likely to refocus and rebound under the leadership of their new head coach, David Zdrilic.
Italiano Anticipates “Reaction” from Perth Glory
Italiano believes Perth’s recent loss is an isolated event, stressing that the team’s resilience under Zdrilic’s guidance will pose a new level of competition. “Knowing Zdrila, I think he’ll refocus them and I could even see a formation change to better align with his squad,” Italiano noted. “Perth is a side that doubles down on pressing, which has been a cornerstone of their pre-season. I expect a solid reaction from them, probably with tactical adjustments to amplify their strengths on the pitch.”
Reflecting on Perth’s opener, Italiano remained clear-eyed: “These things happen. If a team isn’t fully switched on, facing a quality side like Macarthur can be punishing. But last week is behind us, and we’re expecting a refreshed and formidable Perth Glory.”
Phoenix, meanwhile, approaches the game with momentum following their solid opening-round 1-1 draw against Western United. Italiano emphasized the team’s need to sharpen their defensive play, especially in the closing minutes. “Our main area to improve is maintaining our defensive discipline, which slipped slightly in the last 20 minutes against Western United,” he acknowledged. “Overall, we controlled the game for a good portion, maintaining around 65% possession and creating several clear chances. Our focus is on refining that cohesion further.”
Building Consistency and Team Cohesion for Phoenix
In preparation for the match, the Phoenix squad arrived in Perth on Tuesday to give the players ample time to acclimate to the timezone and conditions. Italiano hopes the early arrival will help the team settle and strengthen their synergy. “The extra time here isn’t just about adjusting to the time difference; it’s about fostering team cohesion, almost like an extension of pre-season camp,” he explained. “Training on schedule with kick-off times is key to ensuring the team is match-ready.”
With players like former Perth forward Stefan Colakovski and All Whites fullback Sam Sutton now fit and in the mix, Italiano sees promising options for strengthening the Phoenix lineup. “Colakovski has put in another week of solid training, which is critical for minimizing injury risks. Sutton has also recovered well and is back to his best.”
The game is scheduled for a late Saturday night kick-off at HBF Park, Perth, with live broadcasts available on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand and Paramount+ in Australia.
Squad Details for Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory
Wellington Phoenix Squad
(Two players will be omitted on matchday):
- Josh Oluwayemi (GK), 3. Corban Piper, 4. Scott Wootton, 5. Fin Roa Conchie, 6. Tim Payne, 7. Kosta Barbarouses, 9. Hideki Ishige, 11. Stefan Colakovski, 12. Mo Al-Taay, 14. Alex Rufer (Captain), 15. Isaac Hughes, 19. Sam Sutton, 24. Oskar Van Hattum, 25. Kazuki Nagasawa, 27. Matt Sheridan, 29. Luke Brooke-Smith, 30. Alby Kelly-Heald (GK), 36. Xuan Loke, 39. Jayden Smith, 41. Nathan Walker.
Unavailable for Wellington Phoenix:
8. Paulo Retre, 17. Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, 18. Lukas Kelly-Heald, 21. Marco Rojas (all injured).
Perth Glory Squad
(Two players will be omitted on matchday):
- Oli Sail (GK), 3. Anas Hamzaoui, 4. Luke Bodnar, 6. Brandon O’Neill, 9. David Williams, 11. Hiroaki Aoyama, 12. Taras Gomulka, 13. Cameron Cook (GK), 14. Nathanael Blair, 15. Zach Lisolajski, 16. Adam Bugarija, 17. Jarrod Carluccio, 18. Cristian Caicedo, 21. Abdul Faisal, 22. Adam Taggart (Captain), 24. Andriano Lebib, 26. Khoa Ngo, 27. Will Freney, 28. Kaelan Majekodunmi, 33. Luis Canga.
Unavailable for Perth Glory:
5. Lachlan Barr, 7. Nicholas Pennington, 8. Mustafa Amini, 10. Nikola Mileusnic, 19. Josh Risdon (all injured).
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