November 28, 2025 • 8 mins
The Wellington Phoenix men will seek a first A-League win in more than a month when hosting third-placed Adelaide United at Sky Stadium on Saturday evening.
Adam Cooper was joined by former All White David Chote to assess the season so far and what the team's strategy should be to salvage their fortunes.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Let's talk Wellington Phoenix football though. And after a disappointing
one nil defeat to MacArthur last week, which continued the
Phoenix's winless run for four rounds in the A League,
they're back home at sky Stadium today hosting Adelaide United,
who are in some good form of themselves third on
the ladder, the second highest goal scoring tally out of
(00:21):
the A League competition this year as well. Supposed to
be a pretty tough match ahead for the Wellington Phoenix today.
Let's join Phoenix commentator and former All White David Choke.
Morning to you, David much hope for today?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Do you think hope? Yeah? I think you've got to
go in with hope. The form book would suggest this
is a tough match for the Wellington Phoenix. Adelaide coming
good Nick, as you say, haven't smashed in four last
time out. They're free scoring, so you'd expect them to
come with plenty of confidence and I think the Wellington
Phoenix are going to be in for a tough afternoon.
(00:54):
It'll be a slog.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
What has to be the focus to turn things around
from last week where they didn't get a shot on
goal until deep into stoppage time.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Yeah, I think last week was sort of a real
sort of low for them. So I imagine there's been
some soul searching midweek and they need it. They need
individual performances to improve across the park. They just didn't
show up at all really last weekend against the Calpol.
I didn't think Macartha were much better. To be fair,
it wasn't as if they were outplayed for ninety minutes,
(01:25):
but they were just toothless really, So that was the
biggest challenge for them to get something going forward. But
I suspect it might be a reguard action that gets
the manywhere Today they will have to really think hard
about how they defend against this Adelaide United squad.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Obviously a lot of discussion and attention has been put
on the new defensive strategy this year, this high line.
At what point does the coaching staff need to reassess
whether that's working or not? Do you think?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Yeah? For me, the high line is interesting. It certainly
gets them forward a little bit quicker and enables them
potential to get on the front foot, But when you're
out of possession, pushing all the way to halfway looks
almost sort of Camacarze style defending, you're asking for trouble
and I think they've got to think about just whether
they've got the players to play that way. But that's
(02:15):
that's one for Chief he to think about. The high
line hasn't worked for them really, although in most games
have said I don't think they've been outplayed, They've been
competitive without being able to sort of get anything going.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Corlo, I mean, so obviously you're signing out of Australia
for this season. When he has had the chance to shoot,
and he's scored some pretty spectacular goals. He's given them
some pretty good chances. Why is there such a struggle
to get the ball to him? Do you think?
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Yeah, getting him in the game is absolutely crucial. He's
probably the high point, although has also produced some good
moments if he only is a upfront so hup chop
with Army into an FTMS. They have a couple of
decent players, but getting the ball from the challenge, they've
been so long out of possession and they just tend
to give up possession too lightly. So that high line
(03:07):
gets the further forward, but it doesn't necessarily give them
the kind of possession that allow them to get Army
in turn the game. If they are to go good,
you know that Army Inta will be good and is
they will get his chances. So they are two key
players for the Wellington Phoenix.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
How worrying what things they if it's another defeat today?
The nature of the defeat is not good in terms
of you know, the lack of shots on goal of things.
And then heading into a derby next week, how much
concern will there be around the club? Do you think,
David of where things are at?
Speaker 2 (03:36):
I think they will just continue to drift off the pace.
I mean what are they now? They said eighth in
the table on five points, closer to the bottom to
the top. The season could be written off before Christmas
in terms of their playoff opportunities if they don't start
picking up some points and the start today really and
missing out on the playoffs has always been the benchmark
(03:56):
is if you get into the six, you'll say you've
had a successful season. Anything else out of the six
is unsuccessful. And I think the worrying to Fendu's got
a job on to hit the six, that's for sure.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
When they're in the predicament there and now what can
spark a team and I guess, you know, put the
season back on track in some respects.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Well, I think they need to get potentially some of
the players that I'm thinking about the like some milieus
that you go, we haven't even seen some of their signings,
their sort of season players back from injury. That's key
key to them to get themselves going. Beyond that, it's
a real struggle to see where the Phoenix can sort
of make improvements. To me, it's about individual performances potentially tactically,
(04:39):
I think there must come a time when you say, well, actually,
with the team we've got, with the players we've got
at our disposal, can we play the way that philosophically
everyone wants to play. But there comes a time when
you've just got to really buckle up and go for
the rough ride. And I suspect that's where the Phoenix
are getting to.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
And as we mentioned at the start, goal scoring re
killed by Adelaide as impressive. They've been firing through the
shots lately, they're averaging two goals a game. How do
the Phoenix need to adapt from what they've done so
far defensively this year for a team.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Like this, well, defensively, they haven't really been carved up
at any stage barring these lapses from the high line
where people just sort of spring the off side trap
and you didn't believe Olawayomi with one on ones which
he had a couple of terrific SAMs. Sorry, he's another
one whose we mentioned is actually playing really well. Ohowai
Emi to kept the goalkeeper, so he's had a decent
(05:32):
start to his A League season after being criticized. I
think last season a bit so he's in reasonable mat
But I just think they've got to think about that
high line and really maybe give themselves a bit more
opportunity to sit a bit deeper. I think that's going
to be forced upon GPO. I don't see them dominating
possession and territory. I see them sitting and perhaps, as
(05:53):
a said of regard, actions may be their best way
to see out this one.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Crowd last week three thousand, seven hundred. You've been following
this clubs, David, since it started. How worrying is that
as a trend to see an average attendance now well
below five thousand.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, you're losing the fans and you earn your fans.
And I've always thought for the Phoenix six to ten thousand,
that's their fan base. They're now sitting with a fan
base that are getting disillusions. Horrible season. Last season, there
was some off season work with signing, so there were
some encouraging signs early on in the season. But this
is the risk today. If they don't go out today
(06:34):
and put out a performance, you don't earn the right
to fill the fans or to seats filled by the fans.
And I think that's their problem. Another performance last week,
that three will turn into two and.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
It wouldn't get any easier, would it? Given another derby,
the fifth derby against Auckland, since Auckland's inception is next weekend, yep.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
And they won't be looking forward to that. Although a
result today would just change everything, it doesn't take much
to change. In fact, a Wednesday would probably put them
in the sets would depending on other results. But if
they were to be able to turn around and show
some signs of like that'll just sort of geeb and
up for that or Combard. But at the moment I
think it'll the Auckland licking their lips, looking to sort
of pounce upon a week and struggling Wellington should they
(07:19):
not get the result.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Indeed, women's team, David Better used there obviously a lot
of expectation on them and after a couple of draws,
the first win of the season for them last weekend.
Encouraged by what you're seeing there.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Yeah, and it was a seventeen year old Pier Blanc
with the goal, so that was I think the youngest
scorer for the women's team. Bev Priestman has got herself
a squad that can play. They're unbeaten. I think they
set Forwark and find thought that thereabouts in the women's
a leg they'll be there or thereabouts I suspect at
the end of the season and maybe that'll be the
(07:51):
footballing highlight for Wellington Phoenix fans. Maybe it's the women's
turn time to shine. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Great, And before you go, David, speaking of footballing highlights,
I'm sure you're delight with the National League at the moment.
What's going on there and my Rangers at the top
for two weekends to go.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
It's been a while and David Parrington park I'll be
out there this afternoon again. Yeah, they're in good shape.
They have run into form at the right time. They've
been a long way second to Wellington Olympic and the
local competition, but come to the national round. The sort
of hit form at the right time and there's another
side that are banging in some goals at the moment,
so I think it's Western Suburbs. They play up at
(08:25):
David Parrington this afternoon and I'll be up there heaving
a watch.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Will you enjoy that, David? Good luck for the next
couple of weekends in that regard to go the Phoenix
as well. Thanks for your time as always, always lovely
to chat.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Yeah, no problem.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
For more from news Talks b listen live on air
or online, and
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcast on iHeartRadio
Let's talk Wellington Phoenix football though. And after a disappointing
one nil defeat to MacArthur last week, which continued the
Phoenix's winless run for four rounds in the A League,
they're back home at sky Stadium today hosting Adelaide United,
who are in some good form of themselves third on
the ladder, the second highest goal scoring tally out of
(00:21):
the A League competition this year as well. Supposed to
be a pretty tough match ahead for the Wellington Phoenix today.
Let's join Phoenix commentator and former All White David Choke.
Morning to you, David much hope for today?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Do you think hope? Yeah? I think you've got to
go in with hope. The form book would suggest this
is a tough match for the Wellington Phoenix. Adelaide coming
good Nick, as you say, haven't smashed in four last
time out. They're free scoring, so you'd expect them to
come with plenty of confidence and I think the Wellington
Phoenix are going to be in for a tough afternoon.
(00:54):
It'll be a slog.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
What has to be the focus to turn things around
from last week where they didn't get a shot on
goal until deep into stoppage time.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Yeah, I think last week was sort of a real
sort of low for them. So I imagine there's been
some soul searching midweek and they need it. They need
individual performances to improve across the park. They just didn't
show up at all really last weekend against the Calpol.
I didn't think Macartha were much better. To be fair,
it wasn't as if they were outplayed for ninety minutes,
(01:25):
but they were just toothless really, So that was the
biggest challenge for them to get something going forward. But
I suspect it might be a reguard action that gets
the manywhere Today they will have to really think hard
about how they defend against this Adelaide United squad.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Obviously a lot of discussion and attention has been put
on the new defensive strategy this year, this high line.
At what point does the coaching staff need to reassess
whether that's working or not? Do you think?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Yeah? For me, the high line is interesting. It certainly
gets them forward a little bit quicker and enables them
potential to get on the front foot, But when you're
out of possession, pushing all the way to halfway looks
almost sort of Camacarze style defending, you're asking for trouble
and I think they've got to think about just whether
they've got the players to play that way. But that's
(02:15):
that's one for Chief he to think about. The high
line hasn't worked for them really, although in most games
have said I don't think they've been outplayed, They've been
competitive without being able to sort of get anything going.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Corlo, I mean, so obviously you're signing out of Australia
for this season. When he has had the chance to shoot,
and he's scored some pretty spectacular goals. He's given them
some pretty good chances. Why is there such a struggle
to get the ball to him? Do you think?
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Yeah, getting him in the game is absolutely crucial. He's
probably the high point, although has also produced some good
moments if he only is a upfront so hup chop
with Army into an FTMS. They have a couple of
decent players, but getting the ball from the challenge, they've
been so long out of possession and they just tend
to give up possession too lightly. So that high line
(03:07):
gets the further forward, but it doesn't necessarily give them
the kind of possession that allow them to get Army
in turn the game. If they are to go good,
you know that Army Inta will be good and is
they will get his chances. So they are two key
players for the Wellington Phoenix.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
How worrying what things they if it's another defeat today?
The nature of the defeat is not good in terms
of you know, the lack of shots on goal of things.
And then heading into a derby next week, how much
concern will there be around the club? Do you think,
David of where things are at?
Speaker 2 (03:36):
I think they will just continue to drift off the pace.
I mean what are they now? They said eighth in
the table on five points, closer to the bottom to
the top. The season could be written off before Christmas
in terms of their playoff opportunities if they don't start
picking up some points and the start today really and
missing out on the playoffs has always been the benchmark
(03:56):
is if you get into the six, you'll say you've
had a successful season. Anything else out of the six
is unsuccessful. And I think the worrying to Fendu's got
a job on to hit the six, that's for sure.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
When they're in the predicament there and now what can
spark a team and I guess, you know, put the
season back on track in some respects.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Well, I think they need to get potentially some of
the players that I'm thinking about the like some milieus
that you go, we haven't even seen some of their signings,
their sort of season players back from injury. That's key
key to them to get themselves going. Beyond that, it's
a real struggle to see where the Phoenix can sort
of make improvements. To me, it's about individual performances potentially tactically,
(04:39):
I think there must come a time when you say, well, actually,
with the team we've got, with the players we've got
at our disposal, can we play the way that philosophically
everyone wants to play. But there comes a time when
you've just got to really buckle up and go for
the rough ride. And I suspect that's where the Phoenix
are getting to.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
And as we mentioned at the start, goal scoring re
killed by Adelaide as impressive. They've been firing through the
shots lately, they're averaging two goals a game. How do
the Phoenix need to adapt from what they've done so
far defensively this year for a team.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Like this, well, defensively, they haven't really been carved up
at any stage barring these lapses from the high line
where people just sort of spring the off side trap
and you didn't believe Olawayomi with one on ones which
he had a couple of terrific SAMs. Sorry, he's another
one whose we mentioned is actually playing really well. Ohowai
Emi to kept the goalkeeper, so he's had a decent
(05:32):
start to his A League season after being criticized. I
think last season a bit so he's in reasonable mat
But I just think they've got to think about that
high line and really maybe give themselves a bit more
opportunity to sit a bit deeper. I think that's going
to be forced upon GPO. I don't see them dominating
possession and territory. I see them sitting and perhaps, as
(05:53):
a said of regard, actions may be their best way
to see out this one.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Crowd last week three thousand, seven hundred. You've been following
this clubs, David, since it started. How worrying is that
as a trend to see an average attendance now well
below five thousand.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, you're losing the fans and you earn your fans.
And I've always thought for the Phoenix six to ten thousand,
that's their fan base. They're now sitting with a fan
base that are getting disillusions. Horrible season. Last season, there
was some off season work with signing, so there were
some encouraging signs early on in the season. But this
is the risk today. If they don't go out today
(06:34):
and put out a performance, you don't earn the right
to fill the fans or to seats filled by the fans.
And I think that's their problem. Another performance last week,
that three will turn into two and.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
It wouldn't get any easier, would it? Given another derby,
the fifth derby against Auckland, since Auckland's inception is next weekend, yep.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
And they won't be looking forward to that. Although a
result today would just change everything, it doesn't take much
to change. In fact, a Wednesday would probably put them
in the sets would depending on other results. But if
they were to be able to turn around and show
some signs of like that'll just sort of geeb and
up for that or Combard. But at the moment I
think it'll the Auckland licking their lips, looking to sort
of pounce upon a week and struggling Wellington should they
(07:19):
not get the result.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Indeed, women's team, David Better used there obviously a lot
of expectation on them and after a couple of draws,
the first win of the season for them last weekend.
Encouraged by what you're seeing there.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Yeah, and it was a seventeen year old Pier Blanc
with the goal, so that was I think the youngest
scorer for the women's team. Bev Priestman has got herself
a squad that can play. They're unbeaten. I think they
set Forwark and find thought that thereabouts in the women's
a leg they'll be there or thereabouts I suspect at
the end of the season and maybe that'll be the
(07:51):
footballing highlight for Wellington Phoenix fans. Maybe it's the women's
turn time to shine. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Great, And before you go, David, speaking of footballing highlights,
I'm sure you're delight with the National League at the moment.
What's going on there and my Rangers at the top
for two weekends to go.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
It's been a while and David Parrington park I'll be
out there this afternoon again. Yeah, they're in good shape.
They have run into form at the right time. They've
been a long way second to Wellington Olympic and the
local competition, but come to the national round. The sort
of hit form at the right time and there's another
side that are banging in some goals at the moment,
so I think it's Western Suburbs. They play up at
(08:25):
David Parrington this afternoon and I'll be up there heaving
a watch.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Will you enjoy that, David? Good luck for the next
couple of weekends in that regard to go the Phoenix
as well. Thanks for your time as always, always lovely
to chat.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Yeah, no problem.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
For more from news Talks b listen live on air
or online, and
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Keep our shows with you wherever you go with our
podcast on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.