Wellington attacking weapon Reno Piscopo reckons the Phoenix are far better mentally prepared for the challenges of launching their A-League campaign in Wollongong this time around.
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Last season there was an uneasiness after the New Zealand borders were snapped shut and coach Ufuk Talay made his displeasure known about their training situation at the University of Wollongong.
Now they will stay and train in Sydney, while the brand new Phoenix women's team will be based at the Wollongong Wolves' home at Albert Butler Park at Primbee.
The Phoenix have continued their commitment to playing in Wollongong, easing the enormous financial strain with a new agreement with Multi Civil and Rail, backers of the Wolves.
They will play at least four games at WIN Stadium until January 8, with a view to returning to Wellington at the earliest opportunity, a situation entirely dependent on the COVID situation and New Zealand government decision-making.
After losing their first three games in Wollongong last season, the Phoenix eventually claimed 13 of 30 points available at WIN Stadium, then a win and a draw in two games back home in New Zealand.
The sluggish adjustment to life on the South Coast contributed to them missing out on finals by a single point.
"We just have to keep positive I guess, can't feel to sorry for ourselves, or it will affect the way we play our football," Piscopo said on Friday.
"Hopefully we can get a couple of games back in New Zealand again, that will mean everything. Everyone is more mentally prepared I would say, we've been through last season and know what it's like to be away from our home for quite a while."
Piscopo remained hopeful of building on the support base at WIN Stadium, after a lot of goodwill was gained playing double-headers with A-League aspirants Wollongong, including wearing a red and white Wolves-inspired kit.
"It was great to have them behind us and supporting us every week," he said.
"It's not the same as back in Wellington, but they tried their best to cheer us on for 90 minutes and played their part. We noticed that and I think that's why we're coming back to Wollongong."
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While most of the squad was in NZ, Olyroos talent Piscopo had been locked down in Melbourne with family, while Phoenix midfield recruit Nicholas Pennington was waiting to arrive from Italy, only landing in Australia for the first time in his life this week, even though he has citizenship because his father comes from Perth.
They played against each other as juniors in Italy.
Who knows when Pennington will be introduced to his new home across the ditch.
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