Brazilian forward Daniel wants more game time after featuring
as a substitute to help spur Wellington Phoenix to their 3-1
extra time win over Newcastle in last weekend's A-League
football minor semifinal.
He hopes his eye-catching performance in which he tormented
the Newcastle defence with some teasing crosses and
defence-splitting passes convinces coach Ricki Herbert to
start him for Saturday's preliminary final against Sydney in
Sydney.
Herbert admitted Daniel's performance made it tough to select
his starting 11.
"There's a responsibility to come on and change the game and
I'm pleased with Daniel," Herbert said today as the Phoenix
look to continue their golden run.
"He's been in a good space for a while. With the team
winning, it's been tough to start him but he's certainly
important to us." Daniel said all the players wanted to play
90 minutes "but it's okay, it's Ricki's decision. If I get to
play five minutes, I'll do my best".
"I think I did a good job against Newcastle (as a
substitute), but it's better if I start, then I can play more
time." Daniel, a foundation Phoenix player, said he believed
Wellington had evolved into the best side in the league after
three seasons.
"I think we can go to the final," he said. "It doesn't matter
who starts against Sydney. In my opinion, we have the best
group in the league because in this match we could have a
bench that includes me, Diego, (Eugene) Dadi, (Jon) McKain
(back from suspension) and (Michael) Ferrante.
"Sydney are a good team with a good coach and it's difficult
for us to play away , but we have belief in ourselves." With
central defender McKain available again after serving a
one-match suspension, Herbert confirmed there would only be
one change to his 16-strong squad who leave tomorrow for
Sydney, with Costa Barbarouses making way.
While Herbert will consider starting McKain in place of Ben
Sigmund as skipper Andrew Durante's partner in the heart of
the defence, midfielder Adrian Carceres has fallen out of
contention.
Carceres headed home to Argentina two weeks ago for the birth
of his first child and the club has allowed him to stay away
on compassionate grounds.
After playing consecutive extra-time matches, Herbert's
approach this week has been to ensure his players were in a
good space.
He felt they had trained well during the week, and there was
even a bit of 'aggro' as players sought to make the starting
lineup.
Sydney have beaten Phoenix in all three of their matches this
season, which Herbert admitted was a concern.
"We have got to change something", he said, adding he thought
his players were now carrying winning momentum against a team
who lost a two-legged major semifinal to confirmed grand
finallists Melbourne.
"Maybe they are a little bit on a downer, maybe they have to
change what they are doing," Herbert said.
"They are at home and can be confident but I think it's our
time to change the outcome.
"It's different territory now. I think there's enough
incentive for us to go across there and win but we are under
no illusions what Sydney will throw at us." NZPA WGT pm md
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.