Wellington Phoenix’s head coach, Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano, has announced plans to meet veteran player Kosta Barbarouses to discuss his future with the Isuzu UTE A-League team.
Barbarouses has re-signed with the Phoenix for the upcoming 2024-25 season, with an option for an additional year in Wellington.
The 35-year-old forward has marked a historic season, becoming the first New Zealand player and only the fourth overall in the history of the Isuzu UTE A-League to reach the milestone of 100 goals. Unfortunately, this achievement comes as the Phoenix missed out on a place in the Finals Series this year.
In addition, Barbarouses has eclipsed Craig Goodwin to become the all-time top assist provider in league history.
Following the announcement of his new contract, Italiano was asked if he was confident that Barbarouses would choose to remain with the Phoenix for the 2025-26 season.
“That’s a discussion I need to have with him in the coming weeks,” Barbarouses conveyed to the media.
He further added, “It’s really going to depend on his expectations, and we’ll address that in the next couple of weeks.”
Barbarouses has netted 10 goals in 24 matches for the Phoenix as they approach the final two fixtures of the season, following a striking 13-goal tally during the club’s remarkable run to the Semi-Finals last season.
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Italiano remarked, “Kosta has always been a key player for us.”
“Last season, he experienced some challenges where he was not consistently starting and was occasionally out of the line-up under Uffie (Ufuk Talay).”
“Under my management last season, he began the campaign as one of our primary attackers, and we later adjusted his role. We built a significant part of the team around him last year, and that philosophy continues this season.”
“He remains an integral player.”
Phoenix’s director of football, Shaun Gill, elaborated, “Kosta’s contract situation was somewhat intricate when we negotiated it 12 months ago.”
“There is an option for Kosta, so now we need to sit down and discuss whether Wellington Phoenix is where he wishes to continue for the following year.”
He added, “Kosta is Kosta Barbarouses, right? He’s been an outstanding import in the A-League for several clubs, consistently winning titles and earning numerous caps for the All Whites.”
“He’s a Wellington local, a fan favourite, and an experienced A-League player that any club would be eager to have.”
Currently, Wellington Phoenix sits in 11th place, eliminated from the finals contention for this season, yet Italiano is confirmed to return for a third season in the 2025-26 campaign.
Italiano has committed to another year after initially being set to conclude his current contract, with an option for an additional season also included.
Despite missing the 2024-25 Finals Series, the 42-year-old Australian maintains the highest winning percentage of any previous Wellington boss.
He guided the club through its most successful season last year, narrowly missing out on the first Premiership by finishing second and falling short of a Grand Final appearance.
This season has posed its challenges for Italiano and the Phoenix, grappling to replicate the successes of the past year, particularly after the departure of stars like Alex Paulsen, Ben Old, Finn Surmann, and Bozhidar Kraev. However, it has also been a valuable learning experience for Italiano and his team.
For Italiano, he sees “unfinished business.”
When questioned about any concerns regarding not being retained, Italiano stated, “I’ve been at this club for six years now. Last season, we enjoyed the best performance in the club’s history.”
“This season has been tumultuous, filled with plenty of ups and downs, and unforeseen challenges which we have navigated.”
“If management believed they needed to explore other avenues, then that’s their choice, but they seem to think I am the right person to lead the club forward.”
When pressed about specific areas he wishes to strengthen within the squad, Italiano responded, “We’re likely looking to add one or two creative players.”
“Potentially targeting a defender or two as well. But those discussions will unfold over the next month or two.”
Gill was also questioned about the upcoming off-season and whether he is confident that the current squad is capable of making the Finals Series next season without external additions.
“We do have some roster positions available. Currently, it’s widely known that a few players will be leaving, including one visa player. So, we’ll have two visa spots to fill, which might include Chico’s position. These matters are still under discussion.”
“We have sufficient resources that, even if we retain the current squad, we can integrate new talent. Visa players often improve significantly in their second year, so once we’re able to recruit two more, along with the existing players, we can find the right balance within the squad.”
“Additionally, we have players like Isaac Hughes, who have gained valuable experience from 20-plus games in the A-League, and if we re-sign Corbyn Piper, he too has had considerable exposure. Matt Sheridan is another player who has seen ample game time.”
“Reflecting back on last year with talents like Ben Old, Finn Surman, and Alex Paulsen, we now possess a group of youngsters who are a year more seasoned.”
“With this developmental leap, along with targeted recruitment, aiming for the top six should definitely be our goal.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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