Wellington Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic praised the patience which secured his side a “deserved” and much-needed 2-1 win over a 10-man Melbourne Victory on Wednesday.
The hosts were given an early boost when Rhys Williams was sent off inside 10 minutes for chopping down Andrija Kaluderovic, only to fall behind to a sucker punch from Kosta Barbarouses.
But, facing the prospect of a fourth defeat in five matches, they turned it around after half-time to win for the first time in eight courtesy of Roy Krishna’s equaliser and a Mark Milligan own goal.
“I think we controlled and dominated the game from the first minute to the last minute. Created a lot of chances,” Kalezic told Sky Sport NZ.
“We said to the guys we had to keep patient, to play football from one side to the other side waiting for the right moments.
“We were going to create chances, it was obvious.
“The players showed team spirit, patience to work hard for the goals, and we deserved to win.”
Despite claiming an uplifting three points, Kalezic insists there is plenty of work to be done to cut out the individual errors which he believes are gifting the opposition goals.
“It’s a hard job. Players are making simple mistakes that at this level they aren’t suppose to make,” he said.
“We have to work harder and harder and be more patient. That’s the way it is and I cannot change that.”
