KEY POINTS
- Club icon Chris Greenacre takes over as interim head coach for the fourth time in his career.
- The appointment follows the sudden resignation of Giancarlo Italiano after a heavy 5-0 loss.
- Assistant coach Kelly Guimarães also stepped down immediately as the club sits in 11th place.
Wellington Phoenix has officially appointed Chris Greenacre as their interim head coach for the remainder of the season. This decision comes in the wake of Giancarlo Italiano’s immediate resignation on Saturday night. Italiano stepped away following a humiliating 5-0 defeat against local rivals Auckland FC at Sky Stadium. The club is now turning to a familiar face to stabilize the team during this difficult period.
Greenacre is widely considered a legend within the Wellington organization. He originally joined the Phoenix as a striker in 2009 and made over 80 appearances for the club. After retiring from professional play, he transitioned into various coaching roles within the academy and senior squads. This latest appointment marks the fourth time Greenacre has stepped in as a caretaker manager for the side.
The coaching overhaul extended beyond the head coaching position this week. Brazilian assistant coach Kelly Guimarães also tendered his resignation effectively immediately. Guimarães had served as Italiano’s primary deputy throughout the current campaign. These departures leave the club’s front office searching for additional technical staff to support Greenacre’s interim tenure.
The Phoenix currently occupy 11th place in the 12-team A-League standings. The team has struggled to find consistency, recording only five victories in their first 18 matches. Recent performances have drawn sharp criticism from supporters, particularly following the heavy loss in the New Zealand derby. Greenacre now faces the challenge of restoring morale and improving the team’s defensive structure.
Director of Football Shaun Gill thanked Greenacre for accepting the responsibility on such short notice. Gill emphasized that Greenacre’s deep connection to the club makes him the ideal candidate for the role. The organization is still in discussions regarding a permanent coaching solution for the 2026-2027 season. For now, the focus remains on finishing the current schedule with competitive performances.
Greenacre’s first test comes this Sunday in a home match against Sydney FC. The visitors currently sit in third place and are led by former Phoenix manager Ufuk Talay. This encounter will provide an immediate measure of the team’s response to the recent coaching changes. Greenacre expressed his commitment to bringing pride back to the Wellington badge for the loyal fan base.
Despite the recent turmoil, the club intends to maintain its long-term development strategy. Greenacre will likely continue to integrate young players from the academy into the first-team rotation. His extensive experience with the New Zealand Under-20 national team provides him with unique insight into local talent. The final eight games of the season will serve as an audition for several squad members.
