Official: Phoenix coach Talay confirms he’s applied for All Whites job

Wellington Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay confirmed he has applied to fill the New Zealand vacancy.

Talay had previously expressed his interest in the national team job, which is available after Danny Hay was released at the end of his contract.

As the Phoenix prepare to host struggling defending champions Western United in the Isuzu UTE A-League on Sunday, Talay said he has officially thrown his hat into the All Whites ring.

“What’s come out of my mouth has been quite serious,” Talay, who has been in charge of the Phoenix since 2019, said.

Talay also talked up his intention to juggle both the Phoenix and All Whites jobs, should he be given the nod by New Zealand.

“I think it works better if we align NZ Football with Wellington Phoenix,” Talay said.

“If we have the FIFA international breaks like we do this season, why wouldn’t it work?”