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Talay focused on Phoenix amid Victory talk

3 minute read

Wellington coach Ufuk Talay says his focus remains on the Phoenix's A-League campaign despite speculation linking him with an approach by Melbourne Victory.

Coach UFUK TALAY.
Coach UFUK TALAY. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Wellington coach Ufuk Talay has revealed he's received a contract extension offer from the Phoenix amid talk Melbourne Victory want him as their A-League coach next season.

Talay said he'd had no contact with Victory and his focus was fully on the Phoenix's 2020-21 campaign, which continues with a home match at WIN Stadium against Macarthur FC on Sunday.

"This is part of the game. It's nothing new," Talay said.

"It's like players coming off contract, they want to know where they want to be at the end of the year but the thing for me is all I can control is what I do with my team and whatever happens at the end of the day happens."

Talay revealed he'd had an offer from a rival club at the end of last season, believed to be Victory, which he knocked back to stay at the Phoenix.

He's received a contract extension offer from Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison during the week but says negotiations are ongoing in that regard.

"I know my heart's in the right place. I think I've done the right thing by Wellington Phoenix at the end of last season," Talay said.

"I want to be successful, I'm an ambitious coach and I want the club to be successful as well.

"My focus is on this year and we want to make the top six. Whatever the future holds, it holds, at the end of the day."

The Phoenix belted last-placed Victory 4-1 on Wednesday and are aiming for a third-straight win at their Wollongong home against the Bulls.

Olyroos midfielder Reno Piscopo has been named in the squad but after coming off halfway through the win over Victory, Talay said he was unlikely to feature for the Phoenix.

Macarthur have named an unchanged squad from that defeated Western United 2-1 last week.

KEY MATCH STATS

* Wellington have lost just one of their past five games, averaging three goals a game over that span.

* Phoenix captain Ulises Davila has been the most fouled player in the A-League this season, the Mexican earning 37 free-kicks for his team.

* This will be Macarthur's first game at WIN Stadium. They've lost just one of their past five games in NSW.

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