Chris Wood wants Danny Hay to remain as New Zealand manager despite their double-header derby defeat. With no competitive fixtures, the All Whites played two friendlies against rivals Australia to plug the international gap.
However, two defeats - without scoring a single goal - have raised questions about the manager’s future. The Kiwis lost 1-0 in Brisbane on Thursday before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat on home soil over the weekend.
New Zealand also failed to qualify for the World Cup after being edged out 1-0 by Costa Rica in their play-off match in June. This means 1982 and 2010 remain the only times the nation has qualified for the tournament.
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Newcastle United striker Wood - forced off with an injury against Australia - insists the former Leeds defender is still the right man for the job. He said post-match: “You can see how much he has changed this team in 12 months, can you imagine what he can do in four years?
“Without a shadow of a doubt I want him here - the team wants him here. We play better football under him and if we let him go, I think it will be an absolute detriment to New Zealand football.”
Hay also deflected questions over his position but pointed towards a bright future ahead for the All Whites. "We think we're starting to build something that could be pretty special but, ultimately, I haven't spoken to anybody about my future,” he said.
“We'll see what transpires in the coming month or so. I've had a wonderful time over the last 12 to 14 months ever since the Olympics and I think this team, irrespective of whether I'm there or not, has got a bright future. I think 2026 could be a really exciting period for the team.”
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