Wednesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Newcastle Jets may have ended the Wellington Phoenix’ play-off hopes, but caretaker coach Chris Greenacre won’t accept anything less than 100 per cent from the players and himself for the rest of the season.
Wednesday night-s 2-1 loss to the Newcastle Jets may have ended the Wellington Phoenix- play-off hopes, but caretaker coach Chris Greenacre won-t accept anything less than 100 per cent from the players and himself for the rest of the season.
It was always going to be a difficult night for both players and coach after a traumatic 36 hours following the resignation of foundation coach Ricki Herbert.
The Phoenix started brightly but once Adam Taggart netted a well-taken goal in the 19th minute the home side lost their momentum.
Had they got to halftime with a one-goal deficit they may have been able to turn things around, but right on the break Michael Bridges took advantage of slack marking to double the Jets- advantage with a header from a free kick.
There was a second spell fight back but the Phoenix could manage only one goal, from the prolific Jeremy Brockie, though there were some half chances in the closing stages.
Greenacre described the dressing room as “like a morgue” but said the players- had to pick themselves up and perform for themselves, he club and the fans in the final four games.
“It isn-t the ideal scenario because they know the consequences of what has happened and they are all hurting,” he said.
“I am not the kind of person who will let things slide and neither are the players and the owners.
“They showed character once Brocks scored and we were back in the game. The shackles seemed to come off and the football flowed a little more.
“Hopefully for these last few games they can now just go out and play because I don-t want to finish bottom that-s for sure.”
From a personal point of view Greenacre said he had enjoyed the experience despite a “rollercoaster few days”.
“I was excited. It was just like when I made my debut as a player,” he said.
“Now I-m hurting a lot and it is definitely the lowest point of my time at the Phoenix. For the next few weeks I-m going to learn a lot about other people and myself.”
