Wellington Phoenix coach quits after loss to Auckland FC

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has resigned, after a humiliating 5-0 A-League loss to Auckland FC.

The Wellington club has thanked 'Chief' for his work, with the coach confirming his departure after the match at Sky Stadium.

"Giancarlo Italiano has announced his resignation as men's head coach," the message read on Wellington Phoenix's X account.

With tonight's loss, the Phoenix have equalled their worst-ever loss at home.

"To lose 5-0 at home with the season still to play for is unacceptable and I take full responsibility," Italiano said. "I've told the club I tender my resignation.

"It's easier for someone to come in with new energy and refocus the group.

"I think it was clearly evident what went wrong today. We conceded three absolutely sloppy goals, but I think it was more the mentality shift.

"Once we conceded that first one, we got quite rattled very easily and I think that's probably symbolic of the team this season. In big moments, there are big errors that are costing us.

"That could be down to inexperience, that could be down to the younger players, that could come down to the senior not fully focused and that really comes down to me at the end of the day. I do all the training, I provide the environment and, even today, irrespective of Joshy making errors in goal, it was me that picked him."

Phoenix keeper Josh Oluwayemi conceded the opening goal, after drifting outside his area, and being caught out by a long clearing kick that bounced over his head and into the empty net. With his team trailling 4-0, he was subbed off at halftime.

Italiano admitted the talk in the sheds at the break wasn't pleasant.

"There wasn't a discussion," he said, "I went in and basically lost my sh*t, to be fair.

"I told everyone that was unacceptable, and I didn't think they understood the context and gravity of the game. I simply said to them at halftime, 'Right, you're playing for the badge now... all you're playing for is honour'.

"There was no way we could claw back a four-goal lead, no matter how good we are, and I wanted to see something. In fairness, the boys battled in the second half, but the game was already gone."

The result - Wellington's sixth straight defeat in the Kiwi derby across two seasons - left the Phoenix with five wins, eight losses and five draws for the current campaign, sitting 10th of 12 teams on the table. They haven't won since 3 January against Brisbane Roar, but are still only four points outside the top six playoff positions.

At the end of the game, Auckland FC fans had taken their shirts off to celebrate the win, mocking the ritual followed by Phoenix fans, when their team emerge on top.

"The worst thing to do is lose to these guys," Italiano said. "I'm not a big fan of the club, Auckland.

"I don't like the way they do things, but you can't lose to rivals like that. It's unacceptable anywhere in the world.

"In the interests of the club now, it's better to bring in someone new now that can redirect the group, maybe refocus them and keep the season alive."

Italiano arrived in Wellington in 2019, as Ufuk Talay's analyst and second assistant coach, before being promoted to lead assistant.

In 2023, he became the club's sixth full-time head coach, succeeding Talay at the helm.

In his first season, Italiano guided the Phoenix to their best ever A-League campaign, narrowly missing out on the premiers' plate and a spot in the grand final.

The club has expressed its gratitude to Italiano for his contributions over the past seven years and "wishes him the best for the future".

It has made no announcement yet regarding his replacement as head coach.

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