Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano said it’s high-time his side took the ‘W’ back to Sky Stadium as they prepare to face arch-rivals Auckland FC in what he hopes will be ferocious New Zealand Derby this weekend.
The Phoenix travel north to Go Media Stadium looking to avoid a whitewash against Steve Corica’s table-topping newcomers Auckland, with the Black Knights having already sealed respective 2-0 and 2-1 victories over Wellington so far this season.
Despite only being the third edition of the derby, the Isuzu UTE A-League’s newest rivalry has provided plenty of fireworks both on and off the pitch.
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What began with Phoenix fans flying a banner over the top of Go Media Stadium in Round 1 then moved onto Auckland organising a digital display in the capital city which read ‘Welcome to ellington – … we took the W back to Auckland’.
Speaking ahead of the game, Italiano said the banter between the two sets of supporters is crucial in building up the game’s newest rivalry.
“I’ve been off socials for a long time, so I don’t stay up to date but I think that’s really healthy,” he told reporters.
“You know, I like the old ‘take that W back to Auckland’ and it’s for us to go get it back.
He added: “I like that sort of banter. It’s good. And I think it shows a healthiness in the football landscape.”
The ‘Nix head into Saturday’s blockbuster sat 10th on the ladder and six points outside the top six having recorded just one win in their last five matches.
“It’s pretty much the same process for us every week. It’s the same process in terms of training, analysis. We don’t take anything differently,” said Italiano.
“You need animosity. You need some sort of, like, talking point. You need big moments. I think the first Derby was like that, you know, it set up a real good fight for that second one.
“There were some comments made prior that, you know, got click-baited and so on, and made the event more, and that’s great. It’s good for the game. Means more people are watching. There’s small kids that are going to participate now that want to be part of that in the long term. So, no, it’s good.
“And I like the hostile crowd. I’d love if they were like, booing for 90 minutes, that’d be great. I’d love that!”
Quizzed on his relationship with Black Knights coach Corica, Italiano was quick to play down any animosity between the pair.
“There’s no more coffees,” joked Italiano when asked about his relationship with Championship-winning coach Corica. “Nah it’s the same mate, there’s no hard feelings between us.”
One man who could make a surprise appearance in the derby this weekend is attacking midfielder Marco Rojas.
Sidelined for more than two months due to an ankle injury sustained in training, Rojas has been listed in the club’s extended squad ahead of the trip to Auckland.
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“So he’s probably two weeks ahead of schedule, and probably about a month ahead in terms of fitness,” said Italiano when quizzed on Rojas’ shock inclusion.
“He’s done really well over the last two weeks. There was a bit of aggravation in the ankle, but that hasn’t flared up.
“He’s given us the confidence that he’s ready to play. We played him the other day (and he) hit a lot of k’s (kilometres) and a lot of high speed meters so that gave us the confidence that he can play. So, you know, someone great to utilise in the game.
Italiano later added: “I’m not going to reveal the game plan, but, you know, I’d like him to be part of the game tomorrow at some stage. It really depends on how the game pans out.
“Obviously if we need a goal or we need some creativeness, you know, I probably can rely on him for a little bit longer than what I would have planned.
“But again, also in the back of my mind is, if he’s back this early, it’s also building him incrementally, so we can go to the last stretch of games where we need to win a majority of our games and get him ready for that as well.”
In a further boost for the travelling side, Italiano also confirmed new signing Francisco ‘Chico’ Geraldes is also in line to feature against the Black Knights.
“Yeah everything’s in place. You know, (his) visa is ready. He’s been training so, you know, he’ll take part in tomorrow’s game. And again, he’s probably in the same boat as Marco.”
