Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Chris Greenacre believes his side will be a different beast this new A-League Men campaign thanks to a shift in mentality.
Greenacre initially took charge of the side on an interim basis following the departure of former boss Giancarlo Italiano back in February.
After impressing during that interim stint, Greenacre was subsequently given a one-year deal with the option for a second in the off-season, and the club legend has already outlined how his side will look to play heading into the club’s home clash with Melbourne Victory in Matchweek 1.
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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – OCTOBER 07: Coach Chris Greenacre talks to Corban Piper during a Wellington Phoenix men’s A-League squad training session at NZCIS on October 07, 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images for A-Leagues)
“We want to get off the mark as quickly as possible, and first and foremost, that’s the fans seeing a team that are wanting to fight and effectively die for the badge. That’s what we want to see,” Greenacre said when speaking to local media on Wednesday.
“We want the fans to get behind a team that you know play a decent brand of football and something they can be passionate about because they’re the heartbeat.
“When I’ve long gone, they’re the heartbeat. They’ll still be here and they’re really important to us.
“So it’s about showing the fan base what we’re about collectively, and that’s been highlighted throughout pre-season.
“That’s been a key theme for us that we need to see on the park, and we’re going to try and deliver that every week where we can.”
Having appointed Greenacre on a permanent deal the club then set about reshaping their squad ahead of the new campaign, with 13 players departing Hnry Stadium in the off-season.
Among those to leave were first-choice goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi, central defender Manjrekar James, top goalscorer Ifeanyi Eze and New Zealand international Tim Payne.
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – APRIL 18: Tim Payne and Head Coach Chris Greenacre of the Phoenix (L-R) react during the round 25 A-League Men match between Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers at Apollo Projects Stadium, on April 18, 2026, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
With seven new players joining Greenacre’s squad, the Nix boss admits the pre-season has had its challenges, especially when you factor in injuries and international call-ups.
“Yeah, it’s been up and down, I suppose, results-wise. You know, we’ve had a lot of injury, illness, and everything else to go with it, but it wouldn’t be fun if we didn’t have all those elements.
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“So, no, we’re at the back end of the pre-season now, and we’re really looking forward to the season. The boys are chomping at the bit.
“Even training this morning, you could see, you know, you can you can anticipate the sort of energy that’s around the place. So we’re really excited and can’t wait for next weekend, to be at Hnry Stadium in front of our fans.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been back there, and we just can’t wait to get underway now.”
A-Leagues Champion James McGarry has returned to his old club for what will be a third stint in Yellow and Black while Mexican striker Rafael Duran also arrived after departing Macarthur Bulls.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – OCTOBER 07: Bryce Duke poses during a media opportunity ahead of the A-League season at NZCIS, on October 07, 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images for A-Leagues)
However, it was American playmaker Bryce Duke who appeared to catch the attention of local journalists at Tuesday’s media day, with Greenacre waxing lyrical over his new midfield playmaker.
“He’s not bad, is he?” Greenacre said of Duke when asked for his thoughts on the American’s pre-season displays.
“He’s an exciting young player, and (we’re) delighted to have him here. Brings a lot of MLS experience, quality person on and off the field, which is really important to us and what we’re wanting to build here.
“But you know, as you said this morning, (you) saw the quality that he’s got.
“He’s an exciting, talented footballer, and yeah, as I say, we’re delighted to have him here. He’s settled in really, really well.
“He’s got his family over here for the for the time being, which has helped him settle. But no, I just can’t wait to see him fully fit, and we and everyone see the qualities that he’s got.
“So yeah, (an) exciting prospect.”
Wellington Phoenix round out the opening matchweek of the new 2026/27 A-League Men season, with the game kicking off at 1pm (AEDT) at Hnry Stadium.
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