Source: Radio New Zealand
Lucía León of the Wellington Phoenix celebrates. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
The Wellington Phoenix women face a tough ten days ahead as they attempt to rewrite history.
The Phoenix will play their final three A-League regular season games in a week and a half, starting with their rescheduled fifth round fixture against the reigning champion Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Wednesday night.
They then play at home against Western Sydney before heading to Adelaide. Win all three and the Phoenix have a chance of being crowned premiers.
They qualified for the play-offs for the first time with the win over Sydney FC at the weekend.
Since joining the League in 2021 their best result was eighth in 2024.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said her side is ready for the challenge.
“Mindset is everything at this point and that’s my job to really dial them into what we can be and what we need to be,” Priestman said.
“Let’s be real that third game in 10 days is not going to be the prettiest football match. We know that, but we have to be willing to do the dirty work (and) the stuff that some teams or players aren’t willing to do.
“When I look in the eyes of the players I’ve got in front of me I believe they want it and I think that’s what it’s going to come down to.
“I also think we have enough depth in the team. You’re going to call on an entire squad and that’s all we’ve done all season with the injuries that we’ve had, so the entire squad is going to be needed.”
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
Of course Priestman and the players can’t think too far ahead.
“I’ve kept the players focused on the three points in front of us. I know everyone’s job is to talk about what could be, but ultimately we have to turn up for 90 minutes, do the game in front of us and deal with what comes next.
The Mariners have won all five of their previous meetings with the Nix, including a 2-1 victory at a weather-hit Porirua Park last month.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand