There was a question back in Round 20 of last season that prompted a fascinating response from Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano. His answer also says a lot about his plans for the semi-finalists in 2024-25.
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“The coach that I like to think I am, is that I’m very adaptable to the conditions presented,” he replied in a post-match press conference at AAMI Park
“Is it the football I want to play over a long period of time? I have my idea of how I like to play but sometimes I think it’s unrealistic with the group of players that I have at the moment because it takes time to evolve and give confidences to the players.
“I feel sitting back on the counter-attacker and defending a bit lower suits this team. I think we have the characteristics – players like Ben Old and Kosta (Barbarouses), even BK (Bozhidar Kraev), that can bring us in the game and can be very damaging when they sit lower.
“In an ideal world, I’d like to play like a (Roberto) De Zerbi at Brighton (in the Premier League) but it takes a long time to get that playing model and a maturity within the group.”
For the his full response, CLICK HERE.
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Throughout 2023-24, Italiano transformed the Phoenix after stepping up from his role as assistant coach under Ufuk Talay in Wellington – implementing a clear vision that resulted in an historic run to the Semi-Finals.
It was built on a solid defensive foundation with a low block and counter-attacking patterns.
But the specific takeaway from the press conference in question was this line: “I have my idea of how I like to play but sometimes I think it’s unrealistic with the group of players that I have at the moment because it takes time to evolve and give confidences to the players.”
A lot has changed since that day in March.
The Phoenix have farewelled star trio Alex Paulsen (Bournemouth), Ben Old (Saint-Etienne) and Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), as well as Oskar Zawada, Bozhidar Kraev (Western Sydney Wanderers), Nicholas Pennington (Perth Glory) and Jack Duncan (Melbourne Victory).
In turn, Wellington have recruited Marco Rojas, Paulo Retre, Luke Brooke-Smith, Josh Oluwayemi and, most recently, Kazuki Nagasawa.
With new personnel comes a chance to evolve.
Speaking to the media following the signing of AFC Champions League winner and one-time Japan international Nagasawa, Italiano told reporters: “It’s going to be a different dynamic.
“We will be more on the front foot. The good thing we built from last season, we built a really good foundation. Not only from an internal culture aspect but from a tactical point.
“This season, we want to evolve. We want to be braver with the ball. We want to control games, not only from a defensive point but an attacking point.
“There’s going to be more focus on keeping the ball for larger parts of the game.
“I’m kind of hoping we can push the press higher up the park. But these things take time.
“Also, the recruitment needs to focus towards on bringing in players like that.
“I like the idea of having fluid build up… it’s very important that we bring players who are confident to have the ball all the time.”
