Wellington player Kosta Barbarouses and team celebrate his goal during the Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC A-League match. Photo: photosport
Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano has labelled their potential A-League premiership decider against Central Coast Mariners as "just a game".
Saturday's match in Gosford, kicking off at 7.30pm (NZT), has been billed by some as the biggest regular season game in Phoenix history.
The Wellington side hold a three-point lead at the top of the A-League ladder, with four rounds remaining, and are pitted against their challengers for the Premiers Plate.
"It's another normal game, it's three points. If I was to give it more value I'd give it more points, but it's only worth three," he said.
"As important as it is, the last game against Brisbane was also worth three and we dug deep and got those points and it'll be the same on Saturday.
"If I go into the game thinking it's a grand final or anything like that it takes away from the fact that it's just a game.
"We've just got to work as hard as we can, produce the performance that we want to produce and let the football gods dictate what the outcome is."
Italiano said he has been treating it "like a normal week" for his players, many of whom have not played in a bigger match in their fledgling careers.
"If I come into this game and I make it bigger than what it is then it becomes a distraction, causes anxiousness and you lose focus on what's really important and that's the game itself."
The Phoenix will be without captain Alex Rufer. who was banned for one match following his sending off against Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
Alex Rufer of the Phoenix and Michael Ruhs of the Mariners compete for the ball during the A-League - Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners FC at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday 22 January 2023. © Copyright image by Masanori Udagawa / www.photosport.nz Photo: Masanori Udagawa
Rufer "is a massive loss", but Italiano is backing others to step into his leadership role.
"I like to think we're not completely dependent on one player. For me it's not about that, it's more about the collective, the mindset and making sure everyone's on the same page.
"We've had 'Rufs' out before and we've also got results. The leadership comes from action and behaviour and the whole group as a whole are very good in that respect.
"They all look after each other and there's a lot of positive body language with the players when something happens in the game, whether it'll be positive or negative they're always behind each other.
"That's the sort of leadership that I'm after. I'm not really after one person that's a focal point and motivates. I'm not a big believer in that.
"The rest of our midfield is very, very good. Nicholas Pennington's come back from injury and is starting to find his groove again. We've got Mo Al-Taay, we've got Youstin [Salas] who can play in that role.
"We also have Oldie (Ben Old), potentially Sutts (Sam Sutton) and Lukas [Kelly-Heald] that can play in that role as well."
Wellington are welcoming back All Whites fullback Tim Payne, three weeks after he suffered a hamstring injury against Sydney FC.
"The idea is that he'll get game time. He's not ready to start so he'll come off the bench.
"It's a little bit quicker than expected which has been fantastic for us and the team more importantly. And the fact that we're a little bit short because of Rufs' suspension it comes at a good time."
The two sides last met on Waitangi Day at Sky Stadium, with the match finishing in a scoreless stalemate.
Three of the last four matches between the two sides have finished in draws. Another deadlock would keep the Phoenix three points clear at the top of the ladder with three rounds remaining.
"A draw would be a good result if we merited a draw and didn't deserve to win," Italiano said.
"What I mean by that is if the opportunity is there to win and we don't win, I'd be disappointed."