The key decisions for new Wellington Phoenix coach

Kosta Barbarouses was recently granted an early release from the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Photosport

Now that the fanfare has died down, new Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic has a lot of work on his hands.

Yesterday's unveiling of Kalezic had been foreshadowed widely in the media, but it still brought that sense of optimism that always accompanies a new man at the helm of a football club.

Today reality - and the scale of his task - will set in.

One of his first priorities is to confirm the future of Brazilian Gui Finkler and Italian Marco Rossi.

Both are back in their home countries, and it wouldn't surprise if Rossi, in particular, is already fielding offers from clubs in Italy after a solid year in the A League.

Both players will have noticed the way Kosta Barbarouses negotiated a release for 'personal reasons'.

They might be tempted, if the right offer comes along closer to home, to do the same.

The Barbarouses' exit was a strange one, as most of his friends and family are in the capital.

Even if he, or his partner, was feeling unsettled in Wellington, surely seeing out the remaining year in his contract wasn't too much to ask?

He was one of the highest paid players in the history of the club, but certainly didn't deliver much value.

"It's disappointing," said former Phoenix player Paul Ifill. "You never want to judge in these situations but basically the net result for the club and its fans isn't good. There aren't many Kiwis as good as Kosta in his position and he'll probably end up at another A-League club now."

It's understood that the club will retain Lewis Italiano as their No 1 goalkeeping option, which leaves a striker, two midfielders and a right full back as the most pressing priorities.

"The import decisions are crucial," said Ifill. "They have to get those right and get some really good players. There can't be also any misses in those areas."

Kalezic has good networks across Europe - after coaching in three different countries - while assistant coach Rado Vidosic knows the A League well, after a decade in the competition at Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.

Ifill said he was reserving his judgement on the new coach, but was already encouraged by Kalezic's pragmatism.

"From what he said [on Wednesday], he is assessing the squad he has got" said Ifill. "He has a style he wants to play but that depends on the talent he has and that is the right approach."