Macarthur FC boss Mile Sterjovski questioned his players' desire this week after their A-League Men finals hopes took a battering at the hands of Melbourne City.
Sterjovski suffered a 6-1 humiliation last weekend and the new Bulls boss wants his side to put up a better account of themselves on Sunday.
Captain Ulises Davila described the defeat as "embarrassing".
Macarthur host Wellington with Sterjovski demanding his team respond accordingly.
"We saw where we went wrong and where we need to improve," Sterjovski said.
"It's been about keeping the boys positive and hungry to want to win this week and show a bit more desire.
"We lacked quality and maybe being brave in certain areas.
"I'm looking for a big reaction this weekend. We had a bit of a chat about it and reflected on the game.
"The biggest word to come out of it was 'desire' and we've been working on competing and making sure that come this weekend we compete and give a good fight."
The City loss was only Sterjovski's second game since taking charge of the club following Dwight Yorke's exit.
But the Bulls boss is happy to hear critics writing off his side.
"I love it when people doubt me, it drives me and I have tried to instil that into the players," he said.
"When people are doubting us, we use that as motivation to succeed."
Phoenix boss Ufuk Talay, meanwhile, said Sunday's game was a good chance for his side to solidify their charge towards a top-six finish after last week's loss to Melbourne Victory.
"Everyone's fighting very hard to get themselves in the top six and we're coming towards the back end of the season," he said.
"It's very important for us to pick up points away from home.
"This month is going to be a massive month, this is our second game away from home and we've got another two more coming up."
