Auckland City FC coach Ramon Tribulietx is refusing to be drawn on whether he's been approached for the vacant Wellington Phoenix head coach role.
Tribulietx has made no secret of his ambition as a head coach, and was a leading candidate to take charge of Brisbane Roar, before they went with former Socceroo John Aloisi.
To be a head coach in the A-League, foreign coaches need a UEFA Pro License, while Australian coaches only need a UEFA 'A' License, which is what Tribulietx holds.
"As far as I'm concerned, if you're a resident of the country that you are coaching in, then you just need an 'A' license," Tribulietx said.
Tribulietx would not comment on the Phoenix job itself, though.
"I know they are searching for a new coach, and I have to stay respectful because I am under contract at Auckland City and that's my only focus right now."
Tribulietx has enjoyed plenty of success at Auckland City, with six Oceania Champions League titles, and a historic third place finish at the 2014 Club World Cup.
The Phoenix job is likely to be highly sought after though, the club is just two points of the playoffs and boasts plenty of talent in their squad.
There are also thirteen players off contract at the conclusion of the season, so any new coach would have an opportunity to stamp his own mark on the squad in the next off-season.
There could also be two free import spots next season, with Alex Rodriguez off contract and Roly Bonevacia understood to be set to join former coach John van't Schip at Melbourne City next year.
After the resignation of Ernie Merrick, Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison said he hoped to have a new coach appointed by Christmas.
Newshub.
