Adelaide United’s Paul Izzo reflects on Wellington Phoenix lessons as he becomes a Childhood Cancer Association ambassador

Paul Izzo says harsh defensive lessons have been learned from Adelaide United’s shock Phoenix defeat. But the Reds goalkeeper is putting the setback into perspective, as he takes on a new role.

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Paul Izzo knew he was in for a testing evening, 30 seconds into Adelaide United’s shock loss to Wellington Phoenix.

The Reds goalkeeper was forced into a fine reflex save from Reno Piscopo’s header almost from kick-off at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday.

It was a sign of things to come, as the previously bottom visitors carved out the better openings and deservedly halted United’s four-match A-League winning streak.

But Izzo said the 2-1 defeat had identified the key defensive principles Adelaide needed to rediscover at home to Newcastle Jets this weekend.

“It’s never a good sign when you’re called into action so early,” said Izzo, who made seven stops in the lacklustre Phoenix reverse.

Adelaide United goalkeeper and Childhood Cancer Association ambassador Paul Izzo with seven-year-old Ace Kounavis. Picture: Tom Huntley

“We were very stretched, we were very open and that allowed them plenty of space to run at our back four.

“In previous weeks, we were very compact and disciplined in our roles.

“We let that slip a bit and we paid the price.

“Now we’ve got a week to sort things out (and) get our minds back on the right track.”

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United’s squad was put through its paces in a tough workout at Playford on Wednesday.

Reds coach Gertjan Verbeek rated the Phoenix display a “three or four” out of 10 post-match and attributed it to a lack of training intensity in the days before.

Izzo agreed, but said the warning had been heeded, as third-placed Adelaide prepared to face a rejuvenated Jets coming off back-to-back victories.

Paul Izzo says his Adelaide United teammates have learned some harsh defensive lessons from their shock home loss to Wellington Phoenix. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“We’re aware of how good our recent run was,” the 108-game custodian said.

“But at the same time, it was a good little wake-up call to say the season is still long.

“In previous weeks, we were competitive, doing the one per centres, winning the second balls and winning our duels against our opponents.

“Last weekend, we didn’t really show much of that at all. But we aim to fix that.

“Every week, we look to improve, no matter how good we play or how bad we play.”

Izzo said setbacks like the Wellington defeat had become easier to digest, since he met seven-year-old Reds fanatic Ace Kounavis last year.

The Year 2 Henley Beach Primary student was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma – a rare blood cancer – 18 months ago, but had since formed a close bond with United’s No.1.

Adelaide United No. 1 Paul Izzo with Ace Kounavis ahead of last season’s A-League finals. Picture: Sarah Reed

As Ace’s chemotherapy entered the maintenance phase, Izzo was this week named a Childhood Cancer Association ambassador.

“I came across a very special person,” said Izzo, who visited Ace with the FFA Cup and later hosted him for a FIFA video game challenge.

“It opened my mind to a lot of things.

“As a footballer, you can get caught up in a lot of hype around performances and anxiety about games and what people think.

“But this puts you back in line and it’s a reality check for yourself.

“There are people going through tough times and you’re not in the worst situation possible.

“There’s no bigger honour than to team up and work with the Childhood Cancer Association and play a bigger part.”