Former Phoenix fan favourite Paul Ifill says the players have a big part to play in Ernie Merrick's departure from the club.
Merrick resigned earlier today after three years at the club, with the Phoenix sitting last in the A-League after eight matches.
"The players haven't lived up to the hype," Ifill told Newshub.
"That's not to say they are bad players but there was obviously a disconnect there.
"I don't know whether it was the tactics, or the formation or the training or a combination of all three."
Ifill is still close with many of the Phoenix players, and says he's been in touch with them over the past few weeks.
"I don't think things were great, but I think Ernie knew that, I think he knew that he was under pressure."
The Phoenix have announced assistants Chris Greenacre and Des Buckingham will take charge in the interim, while the club has been linked to former A-League player Mark Rudan.
"Knowing the Welnix pretty well, I'd imagine they have people in mind that can step up and take the club forward," Ifill said.
"Ramon Tribulietx from Auckland, the way he sets his team's up in the national league is excellent. People like Mark Rudan who's done pretty well in Australia.
"There'll also be a couple of guys in New Zealand who think they can do an alright job, so it'll be interesting to see what happens."
Newshub.
