Greenacre steps up...again

Chris Greenacre will lead the Wellington Phoenix for the next portion of the men’s A-League campaign.

The 48 year old former Phoenix striker has been appointed as interim coach following Giancarlo Italiano’s resignation.

Italiano stepped away immediately after Saturday night’s embarrassing 5-nil home loss to fellow New Zealand club Auckland FC, the Phoenix’s sixth consecutive loss in the kiwi derby.

This morning, Italiano’s assistant coach Kelly Guimarães announced his resignation, effectively immediately.

It is the fourth time Chris Greenacre has stepped in as interim coach, but he said it doesn’t get any easier.

“Coming in this morning was quite difficult for me [but] we have to move on quickly as a club, but you never forget what’s gone before you.”

Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Greenacre for stepping into the role at short notice.

Gill said they are very lucky to have someone of Greenacre’s calibre at the club, adding that “Greeny” did not hesitate when asked to take charge. 

The Phoenix and Greenacre are in ongoing discussions about the head coaching position for the rest of the A-League season and beyond.

His first game as interim coach is Sunday afternoon’s home game with Sydney FC.

Sydney FC is led by former Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay, the man who brought Giancarlo Italiano to the club as chief analyst then assistant coach in 2019.