Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay has cut a frustrated figure following his side's third defeat of the A-League season.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay reacts during the 2-1 defeat to Sydney FC. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021
The Phoenix have been beaten 2-1 by reigning champions Sydney FC in Sydney, with All Whites forward Kosta Barbarouses scoring both of their goals.
As was the case in their previous two defeats, Wellington again had more shots on and off target than their opponents.
"It's frustrating, disappointing the boys don't reward themselves with the opportunities they create," Talay said.
"I think the first 15/20 minutes we played some really good football, created a couple of good opportunities and like I said pre-game this game was about being clinical in front of goal because it's a very tight game against Sydney FC always."
He concedes their struggles in front of goal are "a little bit" of a concern.
"But the main thing is we're in the right areas and we're getting in those areas. If we weren't getting in those areas I think it'd be a major concern but we're there or thereabouts.
"I think it's going to come to one of those games when they all do click and they are clinical. Might be a big scoreline."
A dejected-looking Ulises Davila with Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay after the defeat to Sydney FC. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021
Captain Ulises Davila scored the Phoenix's only goal in second-half stoppage time and now accounts for half of Wellington's six goals this season.
"We rely on all of our players to create opportunities. Uli had a good game today and created a lot of opportunities," Talay said.
"We hit the post two times in the game as well so you know a lot of the other players need to step up as well. They're in the right areas they just need to put that ball in the back of the net."
Reno Piscopo set up Davila's stoppage time goal after coming off the bench to make his first appearance of the season.
"Obviously we were planning on 30 minutes, turned out to be 45 and the main thing is he got through it," Talay said.
"Reno is a different player. He gives a bit more creativity and gives us a bit of dribbling as well because he likes to run at players."
Phoenix forward David Ball with his head in his hands after a missed chance against Sydney FC. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021
Piscopo replaced striker Tomer Hemed at halftime as the Israeli was "feeling a bit tight so we didn't take any risk".
The Phoenix have more concern for young midfielder Cameron Devlin, who was forced off the field late in the first-half with a knee injury.
"I'm not too sure where he's at. He came off feeling his knee but we'll find out in the next couple of days where he's at.
"Cammy's one of those ones that doesn't want to come off the park and obviously it must have been hurting him for us to take him off."
The Phoenix next host the top of the table Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, the first of three matches in eight days.
"We're going to have to rely on the other players and players have to step up and play."