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Sport Nation
'We know they're coming': Auckland FC brace for Phoenix revenge mission at Mt Smart
Sport Nation • December 2nd, 2024 1:30 pm
Photo: Photosport
Auckland FC have become the hottest ticket in town on the back of their incredible start to their inaugural A-league campaign.
Saturday's win over Newcastle extended their unbeaten start to the season to five games, retaining their spot clear atop the competition standings.
Making that feat even more remarkable is the fact they're yet to concede a solitary goal, with marquee off-season signing Alex Paulsen ensuring five clean sheets to both his own and his team's name.
Coach Steve Corica admits his side's opening blitz has been beyond his wildest expectations, founded on defensive intent that goes beyond Paulsen.
"Obviously we want to win every game, but the clean sheets have been incredible," Corica told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.
"It's the whole team that's doing all the work defensively. It's a team effort and they're really working hard, trying to keep as many clean sheets as possible and it's been amazing so far. The wins obviously are fantastic as well.
"The pleasing thing for me against Newcastle was we put on a really good performance with the ball as well, which was an improvement from last week."
But there won't be too much time for backpatting for the Black Knights, who will now brace for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season against rivals Wellington Phoenix this weekend.
It will be the first time they've hosted the 'Kiwi Clasico', having taken out a 2-0 victory in the first meeting between the two teams in the capital last month.
Corica realises the Phoenix - who currently sit fourth on the ladder - and their travelling band of supporters will be eager to gain some revenge at a packed Mt Smart on Saturday.
"They don't need too much motivation. We know they're coming.
"Obviously after the last game we put on down there - beating them 2-0 in front of their fans - I'm sure they're going to be wanting to do much the same here.
"We definitely have to be ready for them, which we will be.
"It's really exciting."
Listen to the full interview below:
