The Wellington Phoenix have turned to club legend Chris Greenacre to take charge of the men’s side for Sunday’s clash with Sydney FC, following the sudden departure of Giancarlo Italiano.

It will be the 48-year-old’s fourth time serving as an interim coach, having done so in 2013, 2016-17, and 2018, although the appointment is just for the upcoming fixture, with Greenacre in “ongoing discussions” with the club about the head coaching role for the rest of the A-League season and beyond.

Football commentator and Newstalk ZB host Jason Pine said it was the logical decision by the Phoenix.

“Chris Greenacre is a club legend who knows the players and the way the club operates,” Pine said.

“It’s interesting he’s only been confirmed initially for this weekend’s game and is in ‘ongoing discussions’ about the role moving forward.

“Having filled in as interim coach three times before now, Greenacre would be well within his rights to ask for some long-term certainty, pending results in the last eight games of this season.

“He appeals as a strong candidate to be the club’s next permanent men’s head coach.”

The Phoenix had to move swiftly after Italiano resigned, effective immediately less than an hour after their 5-0 home defeat to Auckland FC on Saturday, which sees them languishing in 11th on the table, although they’re only five points outside the top six.

Chris Greenacre. Photo / Getty Images

Greenacre said he’s determined to restore some pride back in the jersey, starting on Sunday.

“It’s a big game for our players from a personal perspective,” he said. “When you don’t have a great result, you can’t wait for the next game to come around quickly, so you can get back to what you do well.

“The players will be chomping at the bit to get back on the field in front of our home supporters and restore some pride.”

Wellington Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill said Greenacre didn’t hesitate to step up again.

“We’re very lucky to have someone of Greeny’s calibre at the club,” Gill said.

“He’s a great coach and person, on top of being a Phoenix icon, and he’s done a tremendous job at the academy over the past four years preparing our young men’s players for professional football.

”These are difficult circumstances but Greeny didn’t hesitate when I asked if he could take charge. He loves the Phoenix and wants to restore some pride in the club.

“All of his focus is now on Sunday’s match against Sydney FC.”

Meanwhile, the Phoenix are also on the hunt for a new assistant coach with Kelly Guimarães following Italiano out the door, making the announcement on social media.

He was one of several new faces this campaign after five of Italiano’s staff exited at the end of last season.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.