Phoenix: Give us a break

Wellington Phoenix will use the next two weeks to regroup after its disappointing loss to Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.

The New Zealand side is anchored at the bottom of the ladder after securing just one point from three matches. In the past two games it has conceded seven goals.

Andrew Durante said the game against the Reds was 'one of the worst performances' he's been involved in.

"We were outplayed and outclassed all over the park. It's an old cliche but we just didn't show up today, we were second to everything, there was no mongrel about us, there was no intensity," he said.

"They (Adelaide) are a good team and they've showed that over the last few years. We just got exposed way too many times and we've got to look at ourselves."

"Maybe the week off is a good thing because we've got a lot of work to do before we play Central Coast in two weeks time."

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said a number of his players had a chance to regain form when they take part in a World Cup qualifier next weekend. But he added the first break of the season could be a time of reflection for the rest of the squad.

"Some players probably need to go away and have a good look and a good think and return to the pitch on Wednesday afternoon in a different mood," he said.

Wellington entered its clash against Adelaide as underdogs but the task was made harder without Shane Smeltz.

Smeltz travelled with the side but had been struggling with the flu for several days. Herbert admitted the striker's absence impacted on the team.

"It would've been a miracle if we had got him over the line to start but the other players needed to step up and make a difference," Herbert said.