Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano revealed the Isuzu UTE A-League finalists are poised to sign a foreign goalkeeper as he gave an update on the club’s transfer plans.
It is set to be somewhat of a new-look Phoenix side in 2024-25 following their historic run to last season’s Semi-Finals, with Alex Paulsen (AFC Bournemouth), Ben Old (Saint-Etienne) and Finn Surman (Portland Timbers) among the departures after life-changing moves.
Italiano said he hopes to have at least one new face announced within the new two weeks, “maybe even two”.
“It’s going slowly, methodically, you know, it has its challenges every day, but I enjoy this process,” he told reporters as the Phoenix prepare for an Australia Cup showdown with South Melbourne on August 6.
“Some days I want to hit my head against the wall because it can be frustrating. You look to get some certain plays, and and for whatever reason, falls over or you’re trying to find the right balance.
“But again, the good thing is here with the coaching staff and myself, we spend a lot of time on this, we want to make sure that we get the right mix.
“So we do we feel like with Marco and, and Paulo even though they’re local options, they’re still as good as or even better than any foreigners that we could get in just now finding that right foreigner that’s kind of find their balance.
“I think more importantly, the chemistry side is probably the most important part is finding players that are going to fit in with not only the way we play, but with the group, and seeing how they can express themselves. That’s probably the most challenging part.”
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Quizzed on how he will use Wellington’s foreign quota, Italiano replied: “More than likely, as it stands, I’ll probably us an import spot for a goalkeeper (following Paulsen’s transfer).
“Well 95% on that or maybe closer to 99% to be fair.
“I’m looking to potentially bring in a another player that can play in the front line potentially two. But they can also be between midfield and attacking line, sorry one player.
“Then maybe potentially a defender. I’m not sure yet. I’m still trying to find the right balance at the moment. It really depends on also some other local targets that we have. So I’m just trying to find the right sort of balance.”
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Italiano also discussed his approach to signing foreigners after being asked about the Championship pedigree and experience Retre, as well as Rojas, bring to Wellington.
“So that’s the balance, right. It helps they’ve won Championships,” said Italiano. “But I think from a from an experience point, now we’ve had, like Payney (Tim Payne), Roofs (Alex Rufer), Sutts (Sam Sutton), the Kiwi boys that are here, they’ve had that experience from last season. Hopefully, we can build on that experience.
“I don’t necessarily need to get guys that have won anything outside. But it does help like Paulo and Marcos experience. When things get tough this season. I’m hoping it’s in the Semi-Finals, they can dig deep and call on their experience to get over the line.
“I think our other boys that have been here are going to bode well because they’re going to have last season to build on.
“The most important thing I think, with the foreigners is are they are they going to be different and can add another level to the way we played and that’s the most important thing. And then hopefully that brings a trophy home.”
