Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of their A-League match against Perth Glory in Sydney on his birthday on Saturday night.
Assistant coach Giancarlo Italiano will take charge of the team for Saturday’s clash at Leichardt Oval and Wednesday’s fixture with Brisbane Roar in Redcliffe.The Phoenix said Talay has to isolate for seven days and will need to be symptom-free to return to the touchline for next Saturday’s match against Melbourne City.
He previously held youth coaching roles at Sydney FC, after leading Blacktown City to the National Premier Leagues Australia title in 2015 as the club’s head of football.