Coach erupts over ‘incorrect decision’ in tumultuous finish: Crafted with Mitre Moments

Welcome to Made With Mitre Moments, where aleagues.com.au highlights the most significant talking points from each round of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Continue reading for all the key highlights from Round 27, in partnership with Mitre.

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Stajcic baffled by contentious late decision

Western Sydney Wanderers’ head coach Alen Stajcic expressed his confusion regarding the disallowed late winner against second-placed Melbourne City on Saturday evening.

Leading 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from Nicolas Milanovic and a Kai Trewin own goal, the Wanderers found themselves level at 2-2 when Trewin netted twice for City. In stoppage time, the home side believed they had secured all three points with Marcus Antonsson’s header in the 95th minute.

However, the Swedish forward’s late strike was ruled out for an alleged offside against defender Anthony Pantazopoulos, leaving Stajcic perplexed at full-time.

MATCH REPORT: Late drama as Melbourne City halts rivals’ Premiership celebrations with 86th-minute equaliser

“I reviewed the replay, and it looks like it should have been a goal,” a frustrated Stajcic shared during his post-match press conference.

“It appears they made an incorrect call. I can’t comprehend how that happened.

“After looking closely, Panta (Pantazopoulos) was offside at the moment it was kicked, and then Marcus Antonsson got a flick on it, which hit Pantazopoulos, who had by that time gotten back onside because one of their players had dropped back.

“I’m not sure if they can explain that, but for me, it’s a valid goal.”

The controversial decision to deny a potential winner wasn’t the only moment that irked Stajcic, as Western Sydney continued their unbeaten streak to 10 matches, matching a feat from a decade ago.

With time running out, as the Wanderers aimed to counter from a corner, referee Adam Kearsey blew the final whistle, triggering outrage from players and fans alike.

“That’s happened to us twice now. We had a corner. Melbourne City had one at half-time, and he blew for half-time, but we also faced this at Wellington,” he explained.

“I questioned the referees about blowing full-time and half-time on corners, and they said time’s up. They have the final say on timing, but that’s not something you typically see in football.

“I can’t understand why they got to take their corner when time was already up. They’ve been allowed to take corners and throw-ins in their corner, yet as we initiated a break, he blew for full-time.

“They are the sole judges of time, so they have the power to interpret it, and it seems they sometimes misuse that.”

Had Antonsson’s goal in the 95th minute stood, it would have secured the Premiership for Auckland FC in their inaugural season in the competition.

While the draw leaves the Black Knights clinging to their title hopes, the Wanderers are edging closer to finals contention.

Currently four points above seventh-placed Adelaide United with just two games remaining, Stajcic’s team knows another win or a loss for the Reds will ensure their place in the post-season.

The Wanderers will face Newcastle Jets (A) and Macarthur Bulls (A) as they aim for finals football.

‘Mentality shift’ crucial as Sydney rebounds with vital victory

For the first time in seven attempts this season, Sydney FC clinched an Isuzu UTE A-League victory after a midweek AFC Champions League II fixture, coming at a critical juncture in their season.

After a heartbreaking aggregate defeat to Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in the semi-finals on Wednesday, the Sky Blues found themselves trailing again just 22 minutes into their Round 27 match against Newcastle Jets.

Goals from Lachie Rose and Kota Mizunuma had Rob Stanton’s side 2-0 up at Allianz Stadium when Sydney produced a remarkable comeback led by Douglas Costa, Adrian Segecic, and Jaiden Kucharski, clinching a vital 3-2 win.

MATCH REPORT: Sydney FC’s EPIC comeback: Young star ‘saves finals hopes’ in thrilling finale

This victory marked Sydney’s 10th success of the season and moved them back into the top six, edging past Adelaide United, and putting Ufuk Talay’s side a point ahead of the Reds with two matches remaining.

“I think it reflects that the players have shifted their focus now that there aren’t any more ACL matches,” Talay stated after the game.

“I’m extremely proud of what the group accomplished in reaching that stage of the competition, but now we have two crucial games that will secure a spot in the six and provides us the best chance to reach the finals.

“So the mentality had to change, and that’s something we discussed over the two days following Wednesday’s game.

“We need to score at least three goals to secure a home victory again, which we can definitely do, but the first 20-25 minutes were sluggish and lacklustre.”

Key to Talay’s plans as the season draws to a close may be dynamo forward Kucharski.

The 22-year-old made just his second starting appearance in Isuzu UTE A-League this season, stepping in for regular forward Patryk Klimala, who is battling a knee issue and could be doubtful for the remainder of the campaign.

“I believe he has a cyst on his knee,” Talay said regarding Klimala’s condition. “Structurally, there’s nothing wrong. It’s whether he can manage the pain while changing direction.

“In a straight line, he seems fine, but turning is currently painful, so we need to allow him time to settle down as much as possible.

“If he feels comfortable with a pain relief injection on the day, that choice is for him to make with the medical staff. He opted not to participate in this match, and we didn’t want to force him to do anything he wasn’t comfortable with.

“We’ll monitor his situation throughout the week and see if he’s fit for the weekend’s match.”

Next up, the Sky Blues face a challenging away fixture against third-placed Western United at Ironbark Fields.

‘I don’t know’ – Mariners gaffer seeks clarity as Kaltak’s departure confirmed

Central Coast Mariners head coach Mark Jackson revealed that while there is a plan for the squad’s future, he’s still awaiting approval from the club’s leadership.

The Mariners’ two-year reign as Isuzu UTE A-League Champions is nearing its end, as they will not be participating in finals football this season, following a 2-2 draw at home against Macarthur Bulls that has left them in 10th place on the ladder.

Similar to last season, upheaval is anticipated on the Central Coast, with Jackson confirming that star centre-back Brian Kaltak is set to depart the club at the end of the season.

MATCH REPORT: Socceroo faces lengthy recovery after serious injury as Bulls’ finals aspirations hang by a thread

“I won’t lie, Brian has expressed a desire to move overseas to Asia,” Jackson explained in a post-match interview with Paramount+.

“He made that clear to us at the beginning of the year. We attempted to renegotiate a contract, but his aim is to move abroad. We need to respect that decision.

“We faced a similar situation with Max Balard and (Josh) Nisbet last year. They were out of contract, and despite our efforts to keep them, they opted to move overseas to Europe, and Brian is now in that position, so we must respect that.”

TRANSFER NEWS: Mariners head coach confirms Kaltak’s exit: ‘That’s what he wants to do, we have to respect that’

With Kaltak set to leave and Socceroo Trent Sainsbury likely facing a lengthy layoff due to a severe Achilles injury, Jackson will need to orchestrate yet another rebuild.

However, the head coach insists that a plan is in motion; it’s merely dependent on receiving approval.

“We know what needs to be done for the next season,” Jackson remarked in an interview after the game.

“The situation is somewhat uncertain within the club, particularly with the owner trying to sell. My team and staff, of course, want to conclude this season as well as we can for our supporters, as it hasn’t been an ideal year.

“Nevertheless, I’m focused on building for next year, and I’m just waiting for clarity from the owner so we can move forward with our plans.

“We’ve mapped out what we want to execute. I have a vision for how I want the team to look next year – I won’t reveal that just yet as it’ll probably come back to haunt me!

“I have a clear idea of the balance between experience and youth within the squad, as this is vital for us as a club. We need to develop the youth we already have, whilst ensuring we have experienced players throughout the team. That’s the framework for my plan, and I’m just waiting for the right moment.

“You’re asking me when that moment will come? I don’t know…”

Jackson and the Mariners will have this weekend off due to their bye, before hosting Brisbane Roar in the final fixture of the season.

Defensive ‘DNA’ the cornerstone for Auckland’s title charge

While they couldn’t clinch the Premier’s Plate on Saturday night, Auckland FC is preparing to secure their first piece of silverware for the club.

After a 2-0 away victory against Melbourne Victory, the Black Knights settled in to watch the Wanderers’ game against Melbourne City, where a City win would have crowned Auckland as premiers.

However, City’s late comeback only resulted in a 2-2 draw with the Wanderers, keeping the celebration on ice. Nonetheless, Steve Corica’s squad can still control their fate this season, with a shot at the first trophy looming.

MATCH REPORT: History-making Auckland FC edges closer to Premier’s Plate

“I believe the draws have slightly hindered us,” Corica mentioned during his post-match press conference, reflecting on their unbeaten streak now spanning 13 games.

“We could potentially have achieved it a little sooner, which is a bit disappointing, but it exhibits good character within the team that we haven’t incurred a loss in 13 matches.

“What I find encouraging is that we’ve conceded late goals against Adelaide and Central Coast. But reflecting on the match last week against Sydney, we demonstrated resilience in coming from two-nil down, showcasing what the boys are capable of,” he said.

“I’m incredibly proud of what they have accomplished this season, and with much more to come, we’re filled with anticipation. Being in the finals in our debut season is thrilling – we’ll see what lies ahead.”

The Round 27 victory over Melbourne Victory marked Auckland’s 14th win of the season, leaving them needing just one more point to secure the Premier’s Plate.

While their number of wins is commendable, the performance against Victory meant they celebrated their 11th clean sheet of the season.

“That’s just part of our team’s DNA, really. We’ve been focused on this approach from the first game of the season. We are a team that must work hard to win.

“I set the team up to achieve this; each player has their defensive responsibilities, and it showcases how our efforts are paying off.”

“A strong defence increases chances of winning the league, and we are keen to get it wrapped up either tonight or next week. It’s crucial we maintain our defensive performance.”

Auckland FC now faces Perth Glory at home in their penultimate match of the Isuzu UTE A-League season, where they have a chance to seal the Premiership before their own fans.

‘It’s been challenging’ – Phoenix manager reflects on tough season

Wellington Phoenix’s heart-wrenching 3-2 loss to Adelaide United marked their 12th defeat in what has been a tough and tumultuous season for both the club and head coach Giancarlo Italiano.

In stark contrast to the performance that brought them close to last season’s Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final, the Nix currently find themselves languishing in 11th place, with two matches remaining. Questions are being raised about whether the head coach will continue with the team next season.

However, despite being out of contract at season’s end, Italiano holds steadfast belief that the groundwork laid behind the scenes will ultimately yield benefits for the club, even if the personal toll has been significant.

MATCH REPORT: Last-gasp heroics! Golden Boot frontrunner saves Adelaide’s season with dramatic late goal

“It’s been challenging, and I won’t disguise that,” Italiano stated in the post-match press conference when asked how he’s handling mounting speculation about his future.

“It’s a situation I’ve never faced before. My focus remains on delivering results now while also nurturing the young talent within the club and laying the foundation for next season.

“The silver lining is that we’ve been able to fast-track three or four academy players, enabling them to step up and gain valuable experience, which will benefit the club next season.

“As a coach, I must remain professional and not let my emotions interfere with my decisions.

“I commit fully, as does the coaching staff, but on some level, football is unpredictable. Even with good performances, scrutiny follows, and thus the pressure remains. It’s essential I give my best.”

Italiano and his team are aiming to end the season positively, with their remaining fixtures set to pit them against the two teams currently below them on the ladder.

Their next match is a visit to Suncorp Stadium to face 12th-placed Brisbane Roar on Saturday, April 26, followed by their season finale—a home Distance Derby against Perth Glory that could be Italiano’s last match in charge of the club.

Aloisi hoping for history to repeat as they bounce back from off night in Queensland

Despite currently being on a two-game losing streak leading into the finals series, Western United’s boss John Aloisi insists there’s no cause for concern after his side fell 2-1 to Brisbane Roar.

Sparking the match, Western conceded within the first 90 seconds at Suncorp Stadium, adding another goal in the 24th minute before Hiroshi Ibusuki pulled one back, closing the gap just before half-time.

However, Aloisi’s squad ultimately succumbed to their seventh defeat of the campaign, leaving them with an uphill challenge to secure second place on the ladder.

MATCH REPORT: 410 days of frustration end in Brisbane as 13th-st position stuns 3rd with unexpected tournabout in the Premiership race

“I thought we played poorly tonight,” Aloisi expressed when reflecting on Western’s performance during the post-match press conference.

“Along with our loss to Melbourne Victory (1-3), those two were our weakest displays. We’ve consistently performed well all season, but tonight we fell short of that standard.

“We didn’t deserve to get anything from this match. Conceding so early is far from ideal, as we’ve begun most games impressively, but we didn’t perform to our expectations.”

Back-to-back losses now have Western sitting third on the ladder and four points adrift of second-placed Melbourne City, but Aloisi maintains there’s no need to panic.

He sees a parallel with his current side and the squad that clinched the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship in the 2021-22 season.

“Not really,” Aloisi said when questioned if he was concerned about their two consecutive losses.

“During our championship-winning year, we experienced a similar sequence to close out the season before excelling in the finals.

“We have a bit of a break now; there’s a 10-day gap, and the boys will recharge. We’ll return ready for our last two home matches and strive to finish as high as possible before assessing our final position.”

“The last game against the Wanderers was different from this one. In that match against the Wanderers, we were outstanding in the second half, albeit we couldn’t find the net.

“Tonight, I felt our performance was lacking.”

Western will complete their season with two crucial fixtures in the Isuzu UTE A-League, facing finals-chasing Sydney FC in Round 28 and then the soon-to-be Premiers Auckland FC in the final round.

“These matches present excellent opportunities for us. Our players thrive at Ironbark (Fields), and we hope to conclude on a high note as we make our final push for a strong finish.”