I'd have Kraev & Old switch places in that lineup, I think Kraev is much better in the front 3 than the midfield 3. But I also think I'd like to keep one of them on the bench as a genuine x-factor game changer to call upon and be a bit more solid with an additional midfielder in the side. Zawada, Kosta, Kraev & Old in one XI is a very attacking XI.
Our success so far is built on defensive stability. Play a strong midfield to shield the defence with players that can progress the ball quickly to our attack.
IMG_6333.jpeg489.41 KB This team wins the grand final. Rufer screens and shields the defence, Salas and Pennington break up play and progress the ball to Kosta, Kraev, Payne and LKH on attack.
Having Ben Old come off the bench is unrivalled impact, he can win a game in 10 minutes.
Wonder about not starting Ball. Has he always started? Can’t recall him on the bench. Wondering if Zawada is on the bench to start… Also does Al-Taay start or Salas? Old, Zawada and Salas is impact off the bench. Much more of a strong finish than Bally, no disrespect!
Don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.
I guess as well, Chief will have opposition specific tactics and plans.
As well there was talk that two weeks off his feet would get Old right. Does he do that now? Or is Rufer still out and we need the cover?
I think the starting 11 all depends on the way we set up and that Chiefy has 2 sides effectively that he can run.
If we are looking to play the counter and transition game, Zwanda stays on the bench IMO, but if we are looking to keep more possession, he starts and Ball drops out etc.
We have the luxury/ability to play in more than one way this season which is awesome.
I think the starting 11 all depends on the way we set up and that Chiefy has 2 sides effectively that he can run.
If we are looking to play the counter and transition game, Zwanda stays on the bench IMO, but if we are looking to keep more possession, he starts and Ball drops out etc.
We have the luxury/ability to play in more than one way this season which is awesome.
So, according to Transfer Market the Phoenix have the following players off contract:
Kraev Zawada Barbarouses Pennington Salas Duncan
From what I've seen in interviews, all players (apart from Duncan as he hasn't done much press) have expressed either being open to or wanting to stay. Chief though seems resigned to losing Zawada, and maybe Kraev, insinuating that the rising costs of players will mean he has to chose between Kosta and Zawada and he'll chose Kosta.
On form and injury history Kosta over Zawada is a no brainer, but I'm also pretty apprehensive that this is a bit of a purple patch for Kosta and there is no guaranty he can keep the form as he gets older. However it's a great story that he's performing so well and can end his career here with the history of Kosta and the Nix.
One observation, it's amazing to have so much stability coming towards the end of the season and if we continue to do well there is a good chance we can keep most of the squad together - which is immense based on recent seasons.
Also, I hope we have some signing announcements soon, I'd expect Barbarouses and Pennington to stay with a maybe over Kraev, Duncan, and Salas.
Sadly, really seems like Zawada will go - although injuries haven't been great he's a menace and it's good to have characters in the squad. If we want stars to bring in the crowds then if he regains his form at the pointy end of the season then with his confidence and brashness I could see him being a bit of a cult hero.
We're in a good position regarding contracts beyond this season, to the point that only Sydney (18) have more players on deals beyond this year than we do (16) - Scholarship players included.
Plenty of time to sort out the rest of the squad, and we're well ahead of the pack as it stands anyway - imagine the task as hand rebuilding the likes Adelaide, Brisbane & Western United...
From the 6 off contract, I'd take Barbarouses, Kraev, Pennington & Salas in that order. I have already accepted the fact that Zawada will probably leave at seasons end, so I've set myself up so that I won't be horribly depressed when he announces he's leaving (unless it's to Sydney!)
On the plus side of that we'd get another visa slot from his departure, but we'd very much have to look at another visa player to replace him too. Swings and roundabouts and all that.
Does anyone else think that Ball might not see out the last year of his contract? I do like him and his incredible work rate, but it's becoming clearer that he's not quite as effective as he was in previous seasons, and he is currently taking up a visa spot.
I'd love to see him follow Greenie's path and get involved with the club in some backroom capacity - he clearly has a lot of love for the club, and his family seems settled.
Maybe he'll be able to get Kiwi citizenship soon, but I can see Italiano wanting to use his visa spots on more dynamic players.
Ball has been ever present in the starting XI in an effective and winning side. He is at the very least a decent depth player and there is no reason to believe he will regress significantly before the end of next season. He wanted to be able to stay in Wellington with his family for his 3 year contract. There is no way he doesn't see it out
Of the Nix youngsters I hope discussions will be held at season end about extending the contracts of Surman & Hughes. Don't want them leaving on frees at end of next season. All about trying to garner some transfer fees. That's the club model. Sheridan also showing some glimpses of promise.
Though it also wouldn't surprise at all if offers came in for Surman at the end of this season. He's now becoming an established defensive rock in this league.
And again that's the issue to consider, even though the Nix now have a good stable number of players on contracts beyond this season. It wouldn't surprise if 2-3 or more from that contracted list were sold in the off season. But confident with the Academy performing so well, guys like Conchie, Sheridan/OVH, Hughes can step up to be regular starters if others are sold on. CCM had to partly rebuild last off season after selling 5-6 players, and have done it well.
If we sell players you'd hope it's for good coin, the club have indicated they're not interested in selling players for cheap. Which would give us cash to invest in foreigners and bringing in more established players.
You'd imagine that a lot of players would want to come over from Australia to work for Chief after the season we've had.
All this talk about being unable to afford Zawada makes me wonder what the prize money is for winning the grand final? Could it be enough to cover his wages and some.
Most seasons the Phoenix finish the season with barely more than a handful of players still on contract, so this is a refreshing change.
If we sell players you'd hope it's for good coin, the club have indicated they're not interested in selling players for cheap. Which would give us cash to invest in foreigners and bringing in more established players.
You'd imagine that a lot of players would want to come over from Australia to work for Chief after the season we've had.
I'd say Rufer, Old & Surman are the 3 most likely to be sold end of this season.
Kungfu Panda's Serie A prospect Rufer was MOTM last night. He's in the form of his life, and said post match last season he was still getting over his ACL. This season his body is in great shape. Just maybe KP won't be far off the mark.
Old was dynamic last night (I only saw the 2nd half). His shot beats Sail at the near post, rather than bangs off the upright - Nix win & he is MOTM.
Surman defensive rock.
Is possible Nix receive strong offers for all 3 in the offseason. Maybe they drag it out until the Olympics as that's a big shop window for the last two. Like Waine it could extend into the Jan window 2025, given Domey's newish approach on bargaining hard.
If all 3 left Hughes, Salas & Conchie become your new starters - plus any new signings, which yes could be some Aussies attracted over the ditch by Chiefy. Chiefy & Gill seem to be a very clever recruitment pair. I think we can see Salas is going to be a prime example of that.
Italiano & Gill have both been at the club a long time, and know the Academy setup very well. They will likely have succession plans in place for every position in the senior squad. Say Old leaves, then can see Sloane-Rodrigues becoming a squad regular quickly. Though that will likely happen regardless. But they will have plans already for the likes of GS-R, Supyk, Sheridan etc this season
As an aside Paramount's rating system I think had 7 of out 8 highest match ratings going to Nix players, last night. This in a 0-0 draw.
I honestly think Supyk could have a breakout season next year if Zawada is gone. Obviously he hasn't had an enormous amount of first team minutes, but I've been really impressed with the little glimpses of talent he's shown in cameos.
Love the optimists on this forum. Rufer is going to go for a big fee at the end of the season & Conchie will seamlessly replace him, and Supyk & OVH are gonna set the A-League on fire any day now, who needs Zawada.
I know that Ball has a 3 year contract but I have a feeling he will have been in the country for five years already at the end of 2024, qualifying him for a citizenship, which is what I recall he was thinking of. He would not be a visa player by then.
depends on how onto it he is with any residency applications, and also depends on whether being in Aus for long periods in the covid years would spoil it. I seem to recall the nix were quite proactive in assisting Krishna with his citizenship stuff, so maybe Bally with their help will get that sorted ASAP, but there have been no whispers or murmurings about it have there? Mainland FC
I know that Ball has a 3 year contract but I have a feeling he will have been in the country for five years already at the end of 2024, qualifying him for a citizenship, which is what I recall he was thinking of. He would not be a visa player by then.
I really don't think Rufer will be off overseas in the off season. I can see he is a fantastic player but what you have to realise is
1. The club will only accept a huge fee for someone who they've invested so much in. Not only that but the club expects him to be in the team for the next 5 years - he is the lynch pin player for us.
2. The wage bill for Rufer would have to be significantly higher than what he is getting at the Nix for him to want to leave his family behind. The way he talks of his family, I don't think they're leaving and putting the kids into school in Italy.
To satisfy those two points a real top team would have to come calling. Im just not sure there is one out there willing to take him. Maybe after another stellar season someone might be convinced? Old I can see heading off maybe.
All this talk about being unable to afford Zawada makes me wonder what the prize money is for winning the grand final? Could it be enough to cover his wages and some.
Most seasons the Phoenix finish the season with barely more than a handful of players still on contract, so this is a refreshing change.
I know that Ball has a 3 year contract but I have a feeling he will have been in the country for five years already at the end of 2024, qualifying him for a citizenship, which is what I recall he was thinking of. He would not be a visa player by then.
As was said above currently Kosta is on fire and suits Chief’s plans better than Zawada imo.
But if he loses form or a bit of pace (which currently there’s no indication of touch wood!) I think he and Ball would be too similar to carry. We need one scoring. A goal from Ball last night would have been hella helpful.
The commentators said something about the amount of Phoenix players on the pitch yesterday that had yet to score an a league goal. I can't remember what it was because it was late, but it's clear that while the young players are doing well in defence and transition we need more than just Zawada, Kosta, and Kraev to pick up goals.
All this talk about being unable to afford Zawada makes me wonder what the prize money is for winning the grand final? Could it be enough to cover his wages and some.
Most seasons the Phoenix finish the season with barely more than a handful of players still on contract, so this is a refreshing change.
There’s no prize money for winning the A-League
In fact I think central coast came out and said last season it costs them money to be in the finals... Bit shark really
The commentators said something about the amount of Phoenix players on the pitch yesterday that had yet to score an a league goal. I can't remember what it was because it was late, but it's clear that while the young players are doing well in defence and transition we need more than just Zawada, Kosta, and Kraev to pick up goals.
The main commentator (not Donovan) sounded like he just looked at the stats but does not know the team. For example, he said that Payne has scored just two goals so far - but did not mention that he had scored them this season (iirc). The point is, Italiano, Griffiths and Gill have been transformational for our existing players (Payne, Rufer, Wooton), let alone to the new ones (Al-Taay, LKH).
All this talk about being unable to afford Zawada makes me wonder what the prize money is for winning the grand final? Could it be enough to cover his wages and some.
Most seasons the Phoenix finish the season with barely more than a handful of players still on contract, so this is a refreshing change.
There’s no prize money for winning the A-League
Maybe Fever should print a run of T-shirts with that. I would buy one.
All this talk about being unable to afford Zawada makes me wonder what the prize money is for winning the grand final? Could it be enough to cover his wages and some.
Most seasons the Phoenix finish the season with barely more than a handful of players still on contract, so this is a refreshing change.
There’s no prize money for winning the A-League
And if we sell out the cake tin for a finals game, that money goes to the league not the phoenix.
I really don't think Rufer will be off overseas in the off season. I can see he is a fantastic player but what you have to realise is
1. The club will only accept a huge fee for someone who they've invested so much in. Not only that but the club expects him to be in the team for the next 5 years - he is the lynch pin player for us.
2. The wage bill for Rufer would have to be significantly higher than what he is getting at the Nix for him to want to leave his family behind. The way he talks of his family, I don't think they're leaving and putting the kids into school in Italy.
To satisfy those two points a real top team would have to come calling. Im just not sure there is one out there willing to take him. Maybe after another stellar season someone might be convinced? Old I can see heading off maybe.
I'm not saying that Rufer would leave. I am saying that at the end of the season, clubs throughout Europe at the level I described are likely to be interested. I don't know what he gets paid at the Nix and maybe he wouldn't be offered much more in a first season in Europe. I do think that there'll be an opportunity if he wants it. And of course an agreement would have to be reached with WPM.
Rufer has talked about going overseas and does have a European passport - he also might back himself more to be a success.
Also, until he plays in Europe I almost feel like he will be over looked by the All Whites to a large degree (doesn't seem to ever really get a crack).
I honestly think Supyk could have a breakout season next year if Zawada is gone. Obviously he hasn't had an enormous amount of first team minutes, but I've been really impressed with the little glimpses of talent he's shown in cameos.
Supyk has had little or no opportunity this year so far, and I can't really see a game situation where he'll be played, other than perhaps if we're up by 3-4 goals late in a game. Chiefy's shown no inclination to put him to chase a game for instance or to see a game out to rest tiring legs/provide the pacy outlet.
I'm not sure you can learn anything from the very limited number of minutes he's had.
I honestly think Supyk could have a breakout season next year if Zawada is gone. Obviously he hasn't had an enormous amount of first team minutes, but I've been really impressed with the little glimpses of talent he's shown in cameos.
Supyk has had little or no opportunity this year so far, and I can't really see a game situation where he'll be played, other than perhaps if we're up by 3-4 goals late in a game. Chiefy's shown no inclination to put him to chase a game for instance or to see a game out to rest tiring legs/provide the pacy outlet.
I'm not sure you can learn anything from the very limited number of minutes he's had.
He's only 17, so plenty of time though.
You are right on this; I think it goes back to Italiano not risking too many youngsters too early, or perhaps focusing on one at a time and if the signs are promising he would keep them playing till proven otherwise. Hughes is a case in point - he was a starter in the Perth game and did well, following previous largely positive appearances in incomplete games. This makes me wonder if Italiano will go back to fielding OVH again (as a choice, not as a necessity).
Thought that Conchie being picked over OVH. For that pressing forward position against Perth was a bit of a lack in confidence in OVH to do a job up front.
Yeah also curious on any comments Roof's has made about his wife & kids, and seemingly not keen to leave NZ.
I strongly remember him on the mic after the game when he had just re-signed saying him and his family were very settled in Wellington and at the club. This is where I am getting that from. After a quick google I cannot find any information on his family which is fair enough - nice to have that privacy. Since I can't verify this sorry if it is fake news ahahah.
I don't have sky, maybe you could go back to that game and see the interview? It may have been posted by WPX online as well, not too sure
Rufer may want to remain a one club player, who knows. Would be a bit unusual for a NZ footballer, as most are keen to give Europe at least one crack. Plenty of quality bilingual International schools up there for the kids!
Yipe agree would need to be a good offer for the Nix to consider selling him, as he is now a vital part of the team and wider club culture.
But the Nix model is now clearly promoting young players from the Academy, as that maximises the potential Solidarity payments/transfer fees the club earns, the longer the player has been with the Nix. And those fees can be a very helpful income source for the owners, who have ploughed millions of their own cash to keep the club operating. Rufer has been at the club 10 years now?
Unfortunately reading other threads, big crowds in the playoffs won't really help the club that much financially. That cash going to the APL. So selling players for healthy transfer fees, becomes very important to the club's financial model. CCM seem to be doing that setup well at the moment.
Alot will depend I guess on if the Nix can win the holy grail at last. Do that and a guy like Roofs may say, I've achieved everything I can at the club, time for a new challenge. Especially if that challenge gives him a pay rise, improves his 2026 World Cup chances, he's good chance of being a starter ie a coach that really wants him, and it looks exciting eg a top quality league.
Again I can see the Nix getting offers on at least 2-3 players, if they win the league. It may take months right out until January 2025, for the dust to settle on any potential transfers.
Rufer may want to remain a one club player, who knows. Would be a bit unusual for a NZ footballer, as most are keen to give Europe at least one crack. Plenty of quality bilingual International schools up there for the kids!
Yipe agree would need to be a good offer for the Nix to consider selling him, as he is now a vital part of the team and wider club culture.
But the Nix model is now clearly promoting young players from the Academy, as that maximises the potential Solidarity payments/transfer fees the club earns, the longer the player has been with the Nix. And those fees can be a very helpful income source for the owners, who have ploughed millions of their own cash to keep the club operating. Rufer has been at the club 10 years now?
Unfortunately reading other threads, big crowds in the playoffs won't really help the club that much financially. That cash going to the APL. So selling players for healthy transfer fees, becomes very important to the club's financial model. CCM seem to be doing that setup well at the moment.
Alot will depend I guess on if the Nix can win the holy grail at last. Do that and a guy like Roofs may say, I've achieved everything I can at the club, time for a new challenge. Especially if that challenge gives him a pay rise, improves his 2026 World Cup chances, he's good chance of being a starter ie a coach that really wants him, and it looks exciting eg a top quality league.
Again I can see the Nix getting offers on at least 2-3 players, if they win the league. It may take months right out until January 2025, for the dust to settle on any potential transfers.
Won’t have won the Australia Cup or Tianjin Jinmen Tiger FC Sister City Cup
I honestly think Supyk could have a breakout season next year if Zawada is gone. Obviously he hasn't had an enormous amount of first team minutes, but I've been really impressed with the little glimpses of talent he's shown in cameos.
Supyk has had little or no opportunity this year so far, and I can't really see a game situation where he'll be played, other than perhaps if we're up by 3-4 goals late in a game. Chiefy's shown no inclination to put him to chase a game for instance or to see a game out to rest tiring legs/provide the pacy outlet.
I'm not sure you can learn anything from the very limited number of minutes he's had.
He's only 17, so plenty of time though.
Ehh, fair enough. Maybe a shark take from me, possibly clouded by his work at u-17s and in rezzy games. I'm no way saying he could replace Zawada, just that he could end up having more of an off the bench impact role by the end of the season. He might not too, I just really like the look of him. Seems to have a good touch and gets his head up. As you say, he's 17 and we're top of the league - I'm not surprised he hasn't had many minutes - but if we lose a few key attackers next season for financial reasons, I think it's perfectly reasonable to say he might get more.
Edit: Ben Old played 7 minutes in his first season and then 1040 minutes the next season across 23 games. I'm not saying that this is a a nailed on certainty to happen to Supyk - just that I think it could.
I think Rufer is quite happy with his current lifestyle and with his family being settled. He signed a new deal so that shows his intent. Offers may come but I got the feeling he is happy, why spoil a good thing. I respect him, for his decisions.
Rufer seems to me to be in a position where his value to the Nix as a player/captain/club stalwart would far exceed the perceived value he would present to any other club. I'd also be very keen to see us try and keep Kraev. He's similar to Bally in that his stats don't tell the full story of what he brings to the side
“It was in the planning in pre-season that we were going to go down the route where we'll invest in local players and boys from the academy,” coach Giancarlo Italiano said, describing a strategy influenced by the need to tighten purse strings – and a desire to increase income from transfer fees.
Perhaps a bit of a comment here on some of the differences between Chiefy & the more prickly Uffie??
(Issac) Hughes said the other thing was how approachable Italiano is as a coach: “He creates an environment where you want to be in it and you’re not scared. I don’t think any of us young boys at any point have been scared.
“We might be training and not having a good training and thinking, ‘Oh, I’m not at the level at the minute,’ but he doesn’t attack you for that and make you scared for the next session.
“Obviously, he’ll be honest with you when you aren’t at the level, but he creates an environment where failure is okay – the little failures are okay – and that means it gives you a lot more confidence to be braver and try certain things.”
