Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick admits he's under pressure but insists he's still got confidence in his team's performance despite losing their first three games of the A-League season.
The Phoenix went down 1-0 to Sydney FC last weekend when Milos Ninkovic scored the winner in the 92nd minute.
Merrick is taking all the positives from the defeat heading into this week's match against the fifth place Melbourne Victory.
"Follow on from the way we played against Sydney," he said.
"Under pressure, the boys preformed really well against the top team in the league.
"We showed what we can do and if they are the top team in the league, that means we can challenge anyone."
The Phoenix had a number of goals controversially disallowed due to off-sides in the loss to Sydney and Merrick believes if there are 'accurate linesman' this week, the Phoenix should nab their first goal of the season.
"There were four off-sides given that were not off-sides," said Merrick.
"If we have accurate linesman this week that will help. Overall we need to build on our performance from last week.
"I thought it was outstanding."
The Phoenix will have history going against them on Monday, as they have where they've only won once in fourteen attempts against the Victory in Melbourne.
The Phoenix face Melbourne Victory on Monday, with a 9:50pm kick off (NZT).
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