Dynamic Wellington Phoenix forward Kosta Barbarouses says his side are motivated by a renewed “will to win” following the departure of coach Ernie Merrick.
Wellington drew 2-2 away to Newcastle Jets in an attacking Boxing Day encounter on Monday, their third match without defeat under interim bosses Chris Greenacre and Des Buckingham.
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“I think the biggest thing is there has been a bit of a reaction from the boys [since Merrick left],” Barbarouses told Fox Sports.
“It’s a shame the coach has had to go to spark that.
“But I think you can see there is a little more energy and will to win from the boys the last few games.”
The visitors led twice at McDonald Jones Stadium through Barbarouses and Gui Finkler, only for Newcastle to pull level on both occasions.
While disappointed with the ease of Andrew Nabbout’s 62nd minute equaliser, Barbarouses accepted the draw as a fair result.
“We showed a lot of character to get the lead back (in the second half),” the New Zealand international said.
“The second goal was quite sloppy. Pretty easy one to concede.
“But I guess in the end with the conditions…I think a point is a good result in the end.”
