Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay tests positive for Covid-19 hours before next match

✔ Fact Checked by TDPel News Desk

By Pelumi Emmanuel

Published: March 27, 2022 | 5:21 PM GMT

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.

Italiano has been Talay’s assistant for the past two seasons after initially joining the Phoenix in 2019 as the team’s video analyst and second assistant.

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.

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About Pelumi Emmanuel

Pelumi Emmanuel is an accomplished writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a passionate and dedicated professional who is committed to producing high-quality content that informs, engages, and entertains readers. Pelumi’s love for reading and writing is evident in his work, which has been read worldwide and has garnered him a loyal following. His journalistic expertise is matched only by his natural talent for storytelling, making his articles both informative and engaging. He lives in California, USA.