Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert won't heap further pressure on his players despite the crucial nature of today's A-League soccer match against Adelaide United in Christchurch.
Sixth-placed Phoenix will be desperate to end their two-match losing streak when confronting an Adelaide side who bring up the rear in the standings
but are far from easy-beats.
Indeed, they have never lost to the Phoenix in eight meetings, suggesting the hosts will do it tough registering the three points they need to cement the club's first-ever place in the competition's top-six playoffs.
Victory will give them a chance to finish in the top four and earn a home playoff match, while defeat could leave them prone to missing out on the post-season completely.
"This is a very, very important match for us but we have to be careful that we don't let our emotions cloud the job at hand," Herbert said. "Every match has been pivotal for us, from round one on.
"As a team we acknowledge what this match means in the context of our playoff ambitions but ultimately it's as important as our first, or our last, and that's exactly how we'll be treating it."
Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante noted the increased level of expectation from supporters and media since their twin-loss Australian road trip.
"We're being talked about as a team that could be in the playoffs for the first time and as players we know that if we don't achieve that ambition we'll only have ourselves to blame," he said.
"Here and now, though, the focus is on beating Adelaide. In that respect we'll do exactly what we always do - play to the best of our ability and work for the win."
Herbert said the 2-0 loss to Perth and 4-0 humbling at the hands of Melbourne were not reasons to despair.
"That was a test of our character and determination. We know we are a good team - two poor results doesn't change that - and I've been impressed by the resolve of the players to set things right. That starts on Saturday night. We're likely to have a huge crowd ... driving us on and everyone is pumped up for something special."
The return of specialist left back Tony Lochhead is a welcome boost to a squad that is mostly unchanged from the midweek match against Melbourne. Brazilian midfielder Daniel has been included in the 16-man squad to be trimmed by one today.
- NZPA
