Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano didn’t pull any punches when reviewing his side’s defensive display on Monday night, labelling some of the defending as comical in the aftermath of their heavy loss at AAMI Park.
The Phoenix succumbed to their fifth loss of the season as they were convincingly beaten 5-1 by Melbourne Victory.
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Despite levelling the scores in the 29th minute through Ramy Najjarine, Wellington conceded a second goal on the stroke of half-time before going on to concede three more after the break.
Asked for his assessment of the side’s defensive display, head coach Italiano didn’t shy away from letting his feelings be known.
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“I think every goal was preventable,” said Italiano when speaking at his post-match press conference.
“I think the first (Victory) goal was taken well, it was a good header. But it’s just sloppy second phase awareness I think for the first two goals. We should have defended the cross better on the first one.
“Then the third, fourth and fifth goals were, for me, comical, in the sense that we conceded.
He continued: “Especially coming out at half time. It’s just a lack of pressure on the ball and just being aware of where the dangers were.
“We weren’t protecting the space like we’d spoken about and just the timing of the goals, like straight after half time to make it 3-1.
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“So I was disappointed, (they were) uncharacteristic goals. We didn’t use the high line tonight because the weather was going to be a big issue.
“I think we should have managed, defensively, a lot better tonight.”
Now sat 10th on the ladder, the Phoenix face a tricky test next up as they travel to high-flying Brisbane Roar on Saturday, January 3.
Click on the video below to watch the full Giancarlo Italiano press conference.
