'All about results' now for Phoenix

There's nothing like a metaphorical kick up the backside to sharpen a team's focus, Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick says.

Ernie Merrick admits the focus has changed for Wellington Phoenix (Getty) Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

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Sydney FC delivered just that in downing A-League leader Wellington 3-0 last week, and Merrick isn't pulling any punches in allocating blame for the loss.

"I think structurally we weren't prepared for the formation that Sydney play, and I blame myself for that," he said.

"I don't think anybody had a good game, and I don't think I prepared the boys as well as I should have."

Wellington's set piece defence in particular was found wanting, but Merrick is expecting a big step up against Melbourne Victory in Wellington on Sunday, with only two of his first-choice players unavailable.

Midfield linchpin Albert Reira will sit out a one-match suspension after receiving two yellows against Sydney FC, while Vince Lia's niggly hamstring means he will be rested.

Phoenix isn't used to losing this season - it has racked up 13 wins, the most of any team in the league, and leads the competition with four games remaining until the playoffs.

Sydney FC dominated in wrapping up last week's match with three first-half goals, inflicting on Wellington its first loss in seven weeks.

Merrick says the silence from the Phoenix dressing room afterwards was deafening.

"If we ever needed a kick up the backside, this was the ideal time."

Only two points separate the top five teams on the A-League ladder, and Merrick says the Phoenix's match against second-placed Melbourne in Wellington is a six-point game.

History shows that no team outside the A-League top two at the end of the regular season has ever won the grand final.

Merrick has always emphasised performance ahead of results, saying as long as his team was creating chances by playing the right kind of football, the wins would inevitably follow.

He now admits the focus has changed.

"The bottom line is, we talk about performance pre-season and in the first half of the year and the results will follow.

"Now it's all about results. End of story."