Football: Wellington Phoenix star Oskar Zawada expects coach Ufuk Talay to leave A-League club

While there is still no official word regarding out-of-contract Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay, all things are pointing towards an exit at the end of the A-League season.

Talay has remained tightlipped on his future plans, with strugglers Melbourne Victory reportedly keen on his services.

But Phoenix forward Oskar Zawada has suggested that a decision has already been made, and the uncertainty surrounding the position is nothing new to him.

"I've had four coaches in one season," he said. "I've had many experiences in my football life, it's normal that someone wants to do something maybe better or different.

"Everybody should make their own choices to do something and I think the boss has dreams to pursue as a coach and decided not to extend the contract.

"It's normal for me, I've seen weirder situations than this, and I think this is just a normal situation in football life."

Ufuk Talay.
Ufuk Talay. Photo credit: Getty Images

With Talay at the helm, the Phoenix are looking to book their spot in the A-League playoffs for the second straight season.

After initially looking likely for a home run-in, a string of three defeats on the bounce has the Kiwi club scrambling to solidify their position in the top six.

The fifth-placed Phoenix are just two points ahead of nearest rivals Sydney FC, with only three games remaining of the regular season.

When asked if he expects the club to have a new coach in charge next season, Zawada gave a definitive response.

"Of course," he said. "I don't know when they are going to announce the new coach. Right now, you have something in your head [about] what's going to happen next season.

"But as an individual, it's not good to think about that, we still have three games left and we are here as the same group.

"We have to finish this season as the same group, and we're going to do it. The topic of a new coach, new players - we should just leave, also the journalists, to help this team."

While a rival A-League club seems the most likely move for Talay, Zawada believes his coach could be successful in Europe.

Under Talay, Zawada has found a new lease on life as a striker and sits third for goals for the season with 13.

"I think he has, as a coach, big potential," he said. "I think he has a chance to do something good in Europe. 

"I think he would be a very good coach in the Netherlands because he likes to play on the ground and has his own tactic, which he sticks to. 

"It's really normal for me that he wants to prove something to himself and try something different, I wish him all the best."