Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer believes his side’s poor recent form stems from basic errors rather than the team’s much talked about high defensive line this season.
The Phoenix currently sit 11th on the ladder following their 3-1 humbling at home by the Newcastle Jets in Round 8.
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That result for head coach Giancarlo Italiano’s side was their fourth loss in five games, whilst they’re also one of just two sides – the other being the Jets – who are yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
When it comes to the Phoenix, much of the talk this season has been about Italiano’s decision to implement a high-defensive line, a tactic which has often seen his team’s defensive unit basing themselves on the halfway line.
However, despite the outside noise and attention Rufer insists that isn’t the reason they’re losing games.
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“Look, when you change to any system there’s always a little bit of time that it takes to adapt, and this is no different.” said Rufer, when speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
“I think the difference is, is that when people watch this, it’s because no one in this part of the world or in this league does it.
“I do believe that our mistakes that we’re making aren’t due to the high line or to how we play. I think it just comes down to concentration and focus.
He continued: “Little things that we can change as players on the field that are making the decisions that will, you know, in turn, help us.
“The belief with how and what we’re doing is there for sure, because I also think it’s how we’ve dominated games with the ball.
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“So there’s that trade off. I think now for us, it’s making sure that we do eliminate the mistakes and the errors that we do make, and then putting in a 90 minute performance.”
Next up for the Phoenix is a home clash against the Central Coast Mariners at Sky Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Round 9.
