Phoenix supporters,

Welcome to the 11^th season for the club, the first of our second decade, and for Rado and I, our first campaign in charge.

It is a very exciting time. We’ve been working hard at the training ground, as have all the staff, to prepare for this most important A-League campaign.

It was not an easy decision to leave my career in Europe and to come to New Zealand but after a few months of living and working in beautiful Wellington I feel very comfortable and happy.

I believe 100% in our project. It is clear that we are facing a great challenge at the club – even with Rado’s experience of the A-League there are still many obstacles.

There is a lot of opportunity for improvement. Since we have arrived we have been working hard towards the unification of all involved at the club and putting us into the right direction.

In our future football vision, you the fans have a very important role to play. In our opinion, we play football most of all for the fans and they are an essential factor for our success.

Our goal is not just to make our supporters proud and happy with our performances but also the whole football community of New Zealand.

Already we have made some great signings. A Socceroo. An Australian age-international. A Croatian age-international. A promising Kiwi age-international has earned his first professional contract.

In Europe I built my reputation on developing young players, and Rado and I look forward to giving many local boys their chance to proudly wear the shirt this season.

We are looking forward to representing Wellington and New Zealand in a positive and professional way not just here at home, but also every time we travel to Australia.

I am very excited about this challenge and I am looking forward seeing you all at our home games!

We love football,

Darije Kalezić