He's the new Phoenix leader and Ulises Davila has big expectations for his Wollongong-based side this season.
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Wellington fell in their opening clash with Sydney FC, but the captain believes the yellow and black will bounce back quickly - starting on Saturday against A-League newbies Macarthur FC in Campbelltown.
"It's hard [to know what to expect] when they're the new team. But the staff here have showed us some video and clips on what we can expect from them. They try to play good football and to keep the ball. They have experienced, quality players so it will be a good game," Davila said.
"But I think what's most important is what the Phoenix can do for the game. We're a very good team. We showed in the second half [last week] that we can beat anyone in the league."
In his first game in charge, Davila was given just 30 minutes' game time. The captain, along with recruit Tomer Hemed, had a limited pre-season and spent two weeks in hotel quarantine after arriving in Australia from overseas in December.
Davila came on the field with his side down 2-1, but he made the most of his limited time. He had several shots at goal and looked to have sealed a late draw for Wellington, only to be denied by the linesman.
"I got a little excited and missed some chances I normally wouldn't. But I want to come in and make an impact quickly and try to change the situation," Davila said.
"But I need to be more clever in the next few games. If they decide to give me more time [on Saturday], I'll be happy. I feel ready. I've worked hard in the last few weeks and I think I'm ready to play the most minutes I can. But [Phoenix head coach] Ufuk [Talay] will do what's best for the team."
Davila, who hails from Guadalajara in Mexico, made his Phoenix debut last season. The midfielder played a key role in the side's surge to a club-high third finish, before they crashed out in the first week of finals.
After captain Steven Taylor departed the club at the end of the season, the Phoenix announced last month that Davila would take over as the team's leader in 2020/21.
It's a challenge that the 29-year-old is relishing.
"The language can be difficult to me. But I try to work hard and be an example for the young players. I show the way that if you work hard, fight for the team and be positive, good things will come," Davila said.
"I decided to stay this season because I really enjoyed the football last season, I enjoy the club, the teammates and the staff. For me, they make me and my family feel like we're at home and I'm happy. I think we have the team for big things ahead.
"But I also think we have a lot of room to improve. The team is working hard. Obviously the first game was the hardest, it was hard for the new players to get involved. But I think everyone has a good ambition to get the three points on Saturday and, from there, start to build into the new season."