Kosta Barbarouses of the Wellington Phoenix.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Wellington Phoenix say pressure is a privilege as they eye up a finals run in the A-League.
The side has two games left to ensure a post season and veteran forward Kosta Barbarouses says they will be looking to take maximum points from Friday’s clash at the Sydney Wanderers.
“We have been fully confident throughout the whole season. We know how good we are. I think we have shown that in patches in a lot of games and it’s just about putting a complete performance together. We know that if we can perform to the level that we’re capable of, we can beat anyone in the competition.”
Defender Tim Payne says a slow start against the Brisbane Roar at Eden Park last weekend ultimately cost them victory, with the side settling for a 1-all draw.
However, despite the disappointment of numerous wasted opportunities, Payne is confident the team will bounce back in Sydney.
“In our last game against them, I think we played really well, they are still potentially chasing second place so we’re gonna have to be at our best and need to be ruthless in both boxes. If we can do that, I think you know, we’re good enough for three points.”
There is an air of optimism at the Phoenix following the promotion of Giancarlo Italiano to head coach.
Known as ‘Chief’, the former assistant coach will replace the outgoing Ufuk Talay at the end of the season.
Barbarouses says Italiano already garners respect from the squad.
“He has got a good relationship with all the players, so I think we all need to get behind him to support him, his ideas and things that he brings to the table. We just need to be positive and I think we’ve got a solid squad already signed up for next year.”
Wellington play the Sydney Wanderers tonight with kick off at 9.45pm (NZT).
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