Nando Pijnaker and Kosta Barbarouses: Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix players preview their clash
December 6, 2024 • 15 mins
It’s time for New Zealand’s second ever A-League Derby, the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC clashing once more.
Auckland defender Nando Pijnaker told Piney that they didn’t quite expect their season to start off this successfully – although they’re not too surprised.
He says they don’t try to look too much into their opposition and the strengths of their players.
“We know they have dangerous players ... they’ve been around for a long time, so we know what their strengths are, so we’re obviously trying to minimise them as much as possible and then focus on ourselves.”
Kosta Barbarouses has high hopes his form will stay as hot as the summer weather when the Phoenix face Auckland FC this evening.
The 'Nix striker has found the back of the net in his last two outings and has scored 17 goals in the month of December throughout his career.
Barbarouses admits he does try to outwork and tire his opposition more when summer arrives.
He told Piney that even if he’s knackered, he pushes through, because perseverance is what gets the win.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from newstalksb.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
All eyes on referee.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Tom Deniscus and he confirms Auckland FC.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Go five from five and the rain. Last weekend, Auckland
getting it done again against the Newcastle Jets, late goals
from Nada Moreno and then Francis Devrees giving them a
fifth straight win and a fifth straight clean sheet. This afternoon,
it is a sold out go Media Stadium in the
Auckland suburb of Penrose for Darby two point zero. Quite
(00:43):
weird that Auckland and Wellington are playing each other for
the second time this season in just round seven, but
it is what it is and it is set to
be a magnificent occasion this afternoon. Want to get your
thoughts on it. At some stage in the next little
while you might have some views on how this one
might play out, but let's get you straight into the
Auckland FC camp with center back for Auckland f C
(01:05):
and the all it's Nando Pinaker. Nanta, thanks for joining
us on game day, mate, hand on hard did you
really expect the start that you've had five games, five wins,
five clean sheets.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Yeah, I guess not quite. It's been Yeah, obviously an
amazing start for us. We have been working really hard
in the preseason to have a start like we've had,
so I guess we're yeah, not too surprised, but things
are going well for us, and yeah, hopefully they continue.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
To do so. The bad rock of it all is
your defensive performance. Five straight clean sheets. What are the
key reasons for the water type defense that you guys
have put together.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
I think it's the whole team. The whole team were
working really hard. Obviously, we have really good coaches helping
us tactically making sure we're set up really well. And
I think we have really really good players on our
team that obviously stop her are going into the back
of the net. But it also, yeah, it's not less
just the defenders. It's the whole team. Obviously the goalkeeper
as well. Yeah, it's everyone involved with the club.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
So yeah, yeah, I guess you've landed on a really
interesting point and that you often think like they haven't
let any goals and the goalkeeper must be good, and
he is. The defenders must be good and you are.
But I wanted to ask about Louis the Strata, who
sort of sits in front of you, almost like a
nightclub bouncer more than anything else, not letting anybody through.
How key has he been to your defense?
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Yeah, very very important. I think he's been amazing all season.
He's picked up so many balls, so many tackles, so yeah,
he helps us massively. So with Adham, yeah it would
be it's tough. So now we're very very lucky to
have him on our team, and yeah, hopefully we can
keep it going.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
All right, Well, as you look to keep it going
this afternoon against Wellington Phoenix, you look at their side
and you land on guys like Costa, Barbarusis, Marco Rojas.
Are they players you specifically legislate four or do you
just really keep on working on what your defensive system
is all about.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
Yeah, we don't try to look too much into the opposition. Obviously,
we know they have dangerous players, Marco Costa, the dangerous
players in the A League been around for a long time,
so we know what their strengths are. So yeah, we're
obviously trying to trying to minimize them as much as
possible and then focus on ourselves and hope that we
put out a very good performance.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
They've also been productive at set peacetime this season, Wellington,
Does that also factor into your preparation for this one?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
Yeah, one hundred percent. We look at all their areas
where they've had success to try. Yeah, obviously do as
well as we can against the corners and the free kicks,
things like that. So we've looked at all the areas
where they could potentially score to try to make sure that, yeah,
we keep another clean sheet and we keep winning.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And I know a lot of the Kiwi boys in
the Auckland FC squad. You know, there's a lot of
Kiwi boys in the Wellington Phoenix squad. You guys were
together not that long ago in an all white squad.
Does that add an extra dynamic to a clash like
this one?
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I think so.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
It's interesting because we play with them at national team level,
so yeah, sometimes we seek get on quite well with
the all so it's interesting to play against them and
then this time there I guess your enemy in a way.
So yeah, but it also it helps us because we
know how how they like to play and what they're
good at, what they're not so good at that, Yeah,
we can counteract that as well.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
You've been playing your football offshore for the last few years.
How are you enjoying being back home for a bit.
Speaker 4 (04:27):
Yeah, it's been great. Obviously we've had a really good
start which which has helped massively. Yeah, but really enjoying
being back around friends, family, Yeah, getting to play in
front of them, and getting to play in front obviously
the big crowd, big crowds at Auckland as well.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
And when you look at your own performances. I know
it as a team game and you've alluded to that
a couple of times, but where do you think the
growth areas are for you as a footballer.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
I think all the all the areas can get better
at obviously, Yeah, leadership want to be more of an
attacking threat at set pieces as well going forward. At
the moment, defensively we've been we've been pretty good. We
haven't conceded yet, so we can obviously keep it going
that way. We want to, Yeah, stay as a team
that haven't had conceded the least amount of goals this season.
(05:14):
That's the goal. So yeah, we'll see how we go.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
And I know it was a while ago now, but
you talk about your threat at set pieces, talk us
through the ninety seventh minute back healed winner against Sydney FC.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
Yeah, there's not too much to talk away, just all
the ball obviously land in front, and yeah, I didn't
know how to put it in the goal though anyway
was the back heel, so I went through it. Yeah,
it was something they don't really think about in the moment.
Just happy it went in with.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Your back to goal. Did you see it cross the line?
Did you swivel your head round? Did you see it
go over the line?
Speaker 4 (05:45):
I didn't actually see it. I think Dan Hall saw
before me. He started celebrating, so then I started celebrating
because he was elebrating. So yeah, it was It was
a good moment.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
We've had some good moments and a lot of them
have come down that end with the port already, this
supporter group that's just turning heads all around the A League.
How was it playing in front of those guys and good.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Yeah, it's amazing, it's amazing. They're like the twelfth man
in some way, and they've been with us every single
yeah step of the way so far. So yeah, we're
looking forward to the game against Phoenix as well. So yeah,
they've been amazing.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah, and just on that, not just them but you know,
you can't get a ticket to this game, you know,
completely sold out. They're you know, sort of being bandied
around on trade me for three and four times what
they're worth. What's it like being in the eye of
this storm, this this this juggernaut that has been quickly
created at Auckland f C.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
Yeah, yeah, it feels very good, feel very privileged. Obviously,
we've been working really hard on the training field and
in the five games that we've played so far. To
be at these games with so many fans around us,
so it's just yeah, it's a pleasure.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Well, we're looking forward to another big game this afternoon,
five o'clock at go Media. Thanks for taking the time
for a chet. Nando all the best of this afternoon,
No race, thanks very much, No, thank you, Nando, Nando
Pinaka there out of the Aukland FC side. It's been
a pretty important part of their team for the first
five games of this year. Yeah, five clean sheets and yeah,
as I said, it's a team effort. But yeah, Nando
(07:08):
Pinick has been excellent. Good to see him back. He
spent quite a bit of time overseas. Never really I
don't think has kicked on to the ceiling of his potential.
I've always liked Nando Pineker as a player, and I
think if he has a good season here in the
A League, it may well be that he goes off
overseas again. But I'm sure they're loving having him at
go media. Let's get a Wellington Phoenix point of view now.
(07:31):
A couple of days ago I spoke to Costa Barbarusis,
who of course is a big part of what Wellington
Phoenix were all about. Already three goals for him this season.
He was Player of the Year last season. I spoke
to Costa after training on Thursday and talked about the
last two games where the Phoenix have had two wins,
two clean sheets. So how happy has the team been
(07:53):
with the bounce back performances after the loss in the derby?
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Yeah, pretty happy, to be honest. I think both different
sort of performances. Marina game. I thought we came out
and we were on the front foot for most of
the game. The victor on is probably called for a
bit of a different performance. The time of kickoff and
the weather played a bit into it, so I think
we're trying to be a bit more proactive by the game,
sort of played out differently, and you know it's become
(08:22):
a bit of a I guess, a bit of a
not a blueprint, but what we're known for to dig,
dig when we need to and look to come way
against the victory really you know, in away game for
both teams, and to get a clean sheet as I
think it's great and shows that we're still preressing.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Liscening and goals in each of the two games. For you,
that's three now for the season. I know you're always
all about the team, but you know how important is
it for a striker, you know to score goals to
help the team.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
Yeah, I mean it's my job at the end of
the day. You know, I can play as well as
I want and think I'm doing a great job for
the team, but people look for goals too.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
That's just the facts.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
And you know, I think what you know, annoys Man
makes me happy at the same time is that I
hardly got a sniff in the victory of game, but
still come up with what one shot in the goal.
So you know, look, I'm helping the team. People don't
see it, you know, like you said, a lot of
the other guys make it possible. You know, if we
(09:26):
don't defend so well, it's to turn all down through
on that and then my goal means nothing. So no,
I'm just happy to do my job and contribute. I
like to help in a lot of other ways too,
But like I said, that's you know what people look
at in.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
The last pass from Michael Robas. How have you found
being back in the same teams as a guy who
you know you go all the way back with. Yeah,
I mean I can't wait to see more of them.
I think all the fans everyone's the same. And I
was talking to someone actually the other day.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
I don't if anyone else sort of that pick that
ball up, it probably doesn't make a chance of it.
You know, he's takes his first UF touch perfectly sees
that I've made a double run because of defend, has
come narrow and weighed it pretty well. So look, you know,
we all know Marco and what he's about, so hopefully
you can get back to honestly anywhere close to us.
(10:16):
Best with us is more than good enough. So hopefully
his legs are feeling good and up for it, and
we keep seeing more and more of them.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Let's talk about this weekend. You've played in a lot
of a leg Derby's your time about victory, your Thomas
in the FC big big Derby games. What is the
key to not getting too carried away before the day arrives.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
It's it's tough one because it's easy to say to
treat it like a normal game, but the way, you know,
not even the young guys, I say, people are these
days with social media, it's right in your face and
it's very hard to escape. You've just got to keep
little headed as much as possible. There's there's noise, you know,
It's like I said, you can't shy away from it.
(11:00):
But you just need to focus on your job, you know.
I think, you know, I've become quite good at just
zoning in and focusing on on the job at hand.
And I hope that the boys are better off for
the for the first game to learn from that. Not
that I think we played badly. I think we did okay,
(11:20):
but they can learn. And you know, the darbies are
going to be you know, every three, three, four times
a year now, so hopefully each one they get more
experienced and get better at handling it. But it is
genuinely just sticking to the game plan and you know,
keeping focus on your job.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
How much are your relishing the opportunity to unlock a
defense that has kept five straight clean sheets.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Yeah, I mean I'd love to be the first one
anyone in the team, to be honest. Yeah, Look, you know,
I think they've they've defended for their lives as well.
They've you know, they've done really well. I think you
can see not similarities to us, but the desperation to
keep a clean sheet, which is, you know, fair play
(12:05):
to them, But in saying that, I think you know
there's chances to be made there and yeah, I think
we're good for a few chances and then you know,
if it comes, I'll take it.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
And there's no getting away from the fact that you
both set to players that has know each other pretty well.
I think it was half a dozen augnative players in
the last all white squad with you. Does that add
an extra layer to a game like.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
This, Yeah, I mean the first one was played very
close to the international window, but nothing was really said.
I think it's probably a bit touchy. You know, Bays
sort of talks about the ongoings of the week before
when we come into the camp, but didn't really mention much,
which you know fair enough, and look, at the end
(12:49):
of the day, it's it's bragging rights for us within
here and then once we get together it's not forgotten.
But you know, it's been a left unset. But yeah,
and saying that I'd love to, you know, equal it
up and get one over them.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
It feels like there's just realistic to other players to
immediate week and just the general feeling seems to be
a real determination to I don't think even revenge is
the right word, but just to you know, just to
square the ledger, would that be fair?
Speaker 3 (13:16):
I mean, the facts are the top of the table,
so we want to win to close that gap, and
because we want to be there, you know, so as
if that's not motivation enough, and then you add on
that it's a new Darba, that there's a lot of
attention and the public's getting around it. There's a lot
at stake, you know. That's why I said, you've got
(13:37):
to keep your head and let the performance take care
of yourself, because it's very easy to get overawed by
it all. But we need to just be on our
game because we don't want to be trailing for the
whole year. We want to be there and then hopefully
overtake them soon enough.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
All right, one last stat to finish that I picked
up on goals in December. I'm not sure if you've
seen this one, Brune Thorn Rowley's got twenty goals in December,
You've got seventeen. You're second Smelts. You also got seventeen
when he was playing in the Deep Dark Past. Why, yes,
so good at Christmas time.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
I don't know. It's probably promising presence his goals for
people to be honest. Yeah, no, that's an interesting one.
Seventeen Yeah, yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
It's like I think.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
It might sound were but I like to when the
weather gets warmer, my mentality is to just even when
I'm knaked, just to keep going because I know everyone
else will be tied too. So I think like perseverance wins,
you know. And I know if I make a Ford,
rn ll make ten or twelve, the defender is going
(14:47):
to be naked and not follow me in one. And
I don't know how that ties into December with you,
but that's my mentality going into the warm of months.
And maybe it's because of that.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Rob all the best for the first game of this
December and thanks for chatting.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Thanks Minding.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
That's cost of barbarusis. I baffled him with the December
stat I don't know who it comes up with these things.
I saw it online goals in December. Well, December has
arrived and for both Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, all
roads lead to Go Media Stadium this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to news Talks at b Weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine
from newstalksb.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
All eyes on referee.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Tom Deniscus and he confirms Auckland FC.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Go five from five and the rain. Last weekend, Auckland
getting it done again against the Newcastle Jets, late goals
from Nada Moreno and then Francis Devrees giving them a
fifth straight win and a fifth straight clean sheet. This afternoon,
it is a sold out go Media Stadium in the
Auckland suburb of Penrose for Darby two point zero. Quite
(00:43):
weird that Auckland and Wellington are playing each other for
the second time this season in just round seven, but
it is what it is and it is set to
be a magnificent occasion this afternoon. Want to get your
thoughts on it. At some stage in the next little
while you might have some views on how this one
might play out, but let's get you straight into the
Auckland FC camp with center back for Auckland f C
(01:05):
and the all it's Nando Pinaker. Nanta, thanks for joining
us on game day, mate, hand on hard did you
really expect the start that you've had five games, five wins,
five clean sheets.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Yeah, I guess not quite. It's been Yeah, obviously an
amazing start for us. We have been working really hard
in the preseason to have a start like we've had,
so I guess we're yeah, not too surprised, but things
are going well for us, and yeah, hopefully they continue.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
To do so. The bad rock of it all is
your defensive performance. Five straight clean sheets. What are the
key reasons for the water type defense that you guys
have put together.
Speaker 4 (01:43):
I think it's the whole team. The whole team were
working really hard. Obviously, we have really good coaches helping
us tactically making sure we're set up really well. And
I think we have really really good players on our
team that obviously stop her are going into the back
of the net. But it also, yeah, it's not less
just the defenders. It's the whole team. Obviously the goalkeeper
as well. Yeah, it's everyone involved with the club.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
So yeah, yeah, I guess you've landed on a really
interesting point and that you often think like they haven't
let any goals and the goalkeeper must be good, and
he is. The defenders must be good and you are.
But I wanted to ask about Louis the Strata, who
sort of sits in front of you, almost like a
nightclub bouncer more than anything else, not letting anybody through.
How key has he been to your defense?
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Yeah, very very important. I think he's been amazing all season.
He's picked up so many balls, so many tackles, so yeah,
he helps us massively. So with Adham, yeah it would
be it's tough. So now we're very very lucky to
have him on our team, and yeah, hopefully we can
keep it going.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
All right, Well, as you look to keep it going
this afternoon against Wellington Phoenix, you look at their side
and you land on guys like Costa, Barbarusis, Marco Rojas.
Are they players you specifically legislate four or do you
just really keep on working on what your defensive system
is all about.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
Yeah, we don't try to look too much into the opposition. Obviously,
we know they have dangerous players, Marco Costa, the dangerous
players in the A League been around for a long time,
so we know what their strengths are. So yeah, we're
obviously trying to trying to minimize them as much as
possible and then focus on ourselves and hope that we
put out a very good performance.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
They've also been productive at set peacetime this season, Wellington,
Does that also factor into your preparation for this one?
Speaker 4 (03:26):
Yeah, one hundred percent. We look at all their areas
where they've had success to try. Yeah, obviously do as
well as we can against the corners and the free kicks,
things like that. So we've looked at all the areas
where they could potentially score to try to make sure that, yeah,
we keep another clean sheet and we keep winning.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
And I know a lot of the Kiwi boys in
the Auckland FC squad. You know, there's a lot of
Kiwi boys in the Wellington Phoenix squad. You guys were
together not that long ago in an all white squad.
Does that add an extra dynamic to a clash like
this one?
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (03:59):
I think so.
Speaker 4 (03:59):
It's interesting because we play with them at national team level,
so yeah, sometimes we seek get on quite well with
the all so it's interesting to play against them and
then this time there I guess your enemy in a way.
So yeah, but it also it helps us because we
know how how they like to play and what they're
good at, what they're not so good at that, Yeah,
we can counteract that as well.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
You've been playing your football offshore for the last few years.
How are you enjoying being back home for a bit.
Speaker 4 (04:27):
Yeah, it's been great. Obviously we've had a really good
start which which has helped massively. Yeah, but really enjoying
being back around friends, family, Yeah, getting to play in
front of them, and getting to play in front obviously
the big crowd, big crowds at Auckland as well.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
And when you look at your own performances. I know
it as a team game and you've alluded to that
a couple of times, but where do you think the
growth areas are for you as a footballer.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
I think all the all the areas can get better
at obviously, Yeah, leadership want to be more of an
attacking threat at set pieces as well going forward. At
the moment, defensively we've been we've been pretty good. We
haven't conceded yet, so we can obviously keep it going
that way. We want to, Yeah, stay as a team
that haven't had conceded the least amount of goals this season.
(05:14):
That's the goal. So yeah, we'll see how we go.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
And I know it was a while ago now, but
you talk about your threat at set pieces, talk us
through the ninety seventh minute back healed winner against Sydney FC.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
Yeah, there's not too much to talk away, just all
the ball obviously land in front, and yeah, I didn't
know how to put it in the goal though anyway
was the back heel, so I went through it. Yeah,
it was something they don't really think about in the moment.
Just happy it went in with.
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Your back to goal. Did you see it cross the line?
Did you swivel your head round? Did you see it
go over the line?
Speaker 4 (05:45):
I didn't actually see it. I think Dan Hall saw
before me. He started celebrating, so then I started celebrating
because he was elebrating. So yeah, it was It was
a good moment.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
We've had some good moments and a lot of them
have come down that end with the port already, this
supporter group that's just turning heads all around the A League.
How was it playing in front of those guys and good.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Yeah, it's amazing, it's amazing. They're like the twelfth man
in some way, and they've been with us every single
yeah step of the way so far. So yeah, we're
looking forward to the game against Phoenix as well. So yeah,
they've been amazing.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah, and just on that, not just them but you know,
you can't get a ticket to this game, you know,
completely sold out. They're you know, sort of being bandied
around on trade me for three and four times what
they're worth. What's it like being in the eye of
this storm, this this this juggernaut that has been quickly
created at Auckland f C.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
Yeah, yeah, it feels very good, feel very privileged. Obviously,
we've been working really hard on the training field and
in the five games that we've played so far. To
be at these games with so many fans around us,
so it's just yeah, it's a pleasure.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Well, we're looking forward to another big game this afternoon,
five o'clock at go Media. Thanks for taking the time
for a chet. Nando all the best of this afternoon,
No race, thanks very much, No, thank you, Nando, Nando
Pinaka there out of the Aukland FC side. It's been
a pretty important part of their team for the first
five games of this year. Yeah, five clean sheets and yeah,
as I said, it's a team effort. But yeah, Nando
(07:08):
Pinick has been excellent. Good to see him back. He
spent quite a bit of time overseas. Never really I
don't think has kicked on to the ceiling of his potential.
I've always liked Nando Pineker as a player, and I
think if he has a good season here in the
A League, it may well be that he goes off
overseas again. But I'm sure they're loving having him at
go media. Let's get a Wellington Phoenix point of view now.
(07:31):
A couple of days ago I spoke to Costa Barbarusis,
who of course is a big part of what Wellington
Phoenix were all about. Already three goals for him this season.
He was Player of the Year last season. I spoke
to Costa after training on Thursday and talked about the
last two games where the Phoenix have had two wins,
two clean sheets. So how happy has the team been
(07:53):
with the bounce back performances after the loss in the derby?
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Yeah, pretty happy, to be honest. I think both different
sort of performances. Marina game. I thought we came out
and we were on the front foot for most of
the game. The victor on is probably called for a
bit of a different performance. The time of kickoff and
the weather played a bit into it, so I think
we're trying to be a bit more proactive by the game,
sort of played out differently, and you know it's become
(08:22):
a bit of a I guess, a bit of a
not a blueprint, but what we're known for to dig,
dig when we need to and look to come way
against the victory really you know, in away game for
both teams, and to get a clean sheet as I
think it's great and shows that we're still preressing.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Liscening and goals in each of the two games. For you,
that's three now for the season. I know you're always
all about the team, but you know how important is
it for a striker, you know to score goals to
help the team.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
Yeah, I mean it's my job at the end of
the day. You know, I can play as well as
I want and think I'm doing a great job for
the team, but people look for goals too.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
That's just the facts.
Speaker 3 (09:05):
And you know, I think what you know, annoys Man
makes me happy at the same time is that I
hardly got a sniff in the victory of game, but
still come up with what one shot in the goal.
So you know, look, I'm helping the team. People don't
see it, you know, like you said, a lot of
the other guys make it possible. You know, if we
(09:26):
don't defend so well, it's to turn all down through
on that and then my goal means nothing. So no,
I'm just happy to do my job and contribute. I
like to help in a lot of other ways too,
But like I said, that's you know what people look
at in.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
The last pass from Michael Robas. How have you found
being back in the same teams as a guy who
you know you go all the way back with. Yeah,
I mean I can't wait to see more of them.
I think all the fans everyone's the same. And I
was talking to someone actually the other day.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
I don't if anyone else sort of that pick that
ball up, it probably doesn't make a chance of it.
You know, he's takes his first UF touch perfectly sees
that I've made a double run because of defend, has
come narrow and weighed it pretty well. So look, you know,
we all know Marco and what he's about, so hopefully
you can get back to honestly anywhere close to us.
(10:16):
Best with us is more than good enough. So hopefully
his legs are feeling good and up for it, and
we keep seeing more and more of them.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Let's talk about this weekend. You've played in a lot
of a leg Derby's your time about victory, your Thomas
in the FC big big Derby games. What is the
key to not getting too carried away before the day arrives.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
It's it's tough one because it's easy to say to
treat it like a normal game, but the way, you know,
not even the young guys, I say, people are these
days with social media, it's right in your face and
it's very hard to escape. You've just got to keep
little headed as much as possible. There's there's noise, you know,
It's like I said, you can't shy away from it.
(11:00):
But you just need to focus on your job, you know.
I think, you know, I've become quite good at just
zoning in and focusing on on the job at hand.
And I hope that the boys are better off for
the for the first game to learn from that. Not
that I think we played badly. I think we did okay,
(11:20):
but they can learn. And you know, the darbies are
going to be you know, every three, three, four times
a year now, so hopefully each one they get more
experienced and get better at handling it. But it is
genuinely just sticking to the game plan and you know,
keeping focus on your job.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
How much are your relishing the opportunity to unlock a
defense that has kept five straight clean sheets.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Yeah, I mean I'd love to be the first one
anyone in the team, to be honest. Yeah, Look, you know,
I think they've they've defended for their lives as well.
They've you know, they've done really well. I think you
can see not similarities to us, but the desperation to
keep a clean sheet, which is, you know, fair play
(12:05):
to them, But in saying that, I think you know
there's chances to be made there and yeah, I think
we're good for a few chances and then you know,
if it comes, I'll take it.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
And there's no getting away from the fact that you
both set to players that has know each other pretty well.
I think it was half a dozen augnative players in
the last all white squad with you. Does that add
an extra layer to a game like.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
This, Yeah, I mean the first one was played very
close to the international window, but nothing was really said.
I think it's probably a bit touchy. You know, Bays
sort of talks about the ongoings of the week before
when we come into the camp, but didn't really mention much,
which you know fair enough, and look, at the end
(12:49):
of the day, it's it's bragging rights for us within
here and then once we get together it's not forgotten.
But you know, it's been a left unset. But yeah,
and saying that I'd love to, you know, equal it
up and get one over them.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
It feels like there's just realistic to other players to
immediate week and just the general feeling seems to be
a real determination to I don't think even revenge is
the right word, but just to you know, just to
square the ledger, would that be fair?
Speaker 3 (13:16):
I mean, the facts are the top of the table,
so we want to win to close that gap, and
because we want to be there, you know, so as
if that's not motivation enough, and then you add on
that it's a new Darba, that there's a lot of
attention and the public's getting around it. There's a lot
at stake, you know. That's why I said, you've got
(13:37):
to keep your head and let the performance take care
of yourself, because it's very easy to get overawed by
it all. But we need to just be on our
game because we don't want to be trailing for the
whole year. We want to be there and then hopefully
overtake them soon enough.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
All right, one last stat to finish that I picked
up on goals in December. I'm not sure if you've
seen this one, Brune Thorn Rowley's got twenty goals in December,
You've got seventeen. You're second Smelts. You also got seventeen
when he was playing in the Deep Dark Past. Why, yes,
so good at Christmas time.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
I don't know. It's probably promising presence his goals for
people to be honest. Yeah, no, that's an interesting one.
Seventeen Yeah, yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
It's like I think.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
It might sound were but I like to when the
weather gets warmer, my mentality is to just even when
I'm knaked, just to keep going because I know everyone
else will be tied too. So I think like perseverance wins,
you know. And I know if I make a Ford,
rn ll make ten or twelve, the defender is going
(14:47):
to be naked and not follow me in one. And
I don't know how that ties into December with you,
but that's my mentality going into the warm of months.
And maybe it's because of that.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Rob all the best for the first game of this
December and thanks for chatting.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
Thanks Minding.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
That's cost of barbarusis. I baffled him with the December
stat I don't know who it comes up with these things.
I saw it online goals in December. Well, December has
arrived and for both Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, all
roads lead to Go Media Stadium this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to news Talks at b Weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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