High flying Phoenix looking to finish what they started
In March 2020, a pandemic halted the best ever Wellington Phoenix season. Because of course it did.
You would have forgiven Ufuk Talay & Co. for banging their head against a wall after everything everywhere shut down. For a club which has suffered so much, from Darjie Kalezić to nearly being kicked out of the league and the Mark Rudan saga, things had at long last gone right for Wellington. Talay had proved his genius, the football was beautiful and it was a young and vibrant team. Finally, a controversy-free season.
Haha, no. COVID-19. A league continuing despite health risks. Tim Payne and Oliver Sail breaking quarantine. A return to a shut down NZ. Fox causing uncertainty about the league’s future. While for once the spotlight wasn’t on Wellington, controversy had returned to mar their season.
Things finally look to be clearing up, both in terms of coronavirus - Victoria aside - and football. Last week the Phoenix jetted off to Australia where they’ll complete their season with a new Fox deal to boot. Despite everything that’s occurred over the past few months, there’s a real sense of optimism amongst the Nix's squad. Vice-captain Alex Rufer was one of the players who fronted the media before their departure, and with him there was an air of optimism as he spoke about the future.
“It's unfortunate we have to leave our families behind, but everyone is buzzing. Everyone is looking to finish off what we started.
“I really believe this group can do something special. We’re really just dying to get over there and start training, to get all the boys back together and see what we can do.”The Phoenix came off a run of four wins on the trot - their equal best record - but according to Rufer, that momentum is still with them.
“We’re all confident. We’re gonna be fit. We’ve still got a month of preparation before our first game so I still do believe we have momentum.
“Look, teams are scared to play us. We take the game to the opposition now.
“The depth will be key. There will be good opportunities for players who haven’t played as much, and it’s gonna show off how deep our squad is. It’s like a mini tournament. This is what we play football for.”
Being stuck in Australia until the end of August is something which would give most people pause. Because let’s be honest, it’s Australia. But it’s not something which daunts Rufer. As is a theme for the 24-year-old, he was upbeat.
“Since I became a professional I’ve done something similar almost once a year with the national team so for me it’s just another day. I’ve been away from home for as long as I can remember so I just focus on my job - to play and win football games. When we go over there, it’s business as usual.”
While Rufer was nothing but positive, it’s easy to see why he wouldn’t have always felt that way. During the dark days of the Fox-FFA negotiations everyone was clueless. But now it’s all finally sorted for another 18 months, Rufer, the league, and fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
“I’m just happy we’ve all come to an agreement.
“There was a stage where we were quite worried; will there be a season next year? But now it’s sorted so players and teams can start to think longer term.”
Wellington’s season will restart on July 17th against league leaders Sydney FC.
