A new coach but the same old rock-bottom predictions.
Wellington Phoenix have been written off before a ball has been kicked this A-League Men's season, are under new management and instruction to play the kids.
Giancarlo Italiano, inheriting the mentor's role from Ufuk Talay, says opposing teams dismissing the Kiwi club will be in for a rude shock.
"(Predictions of) finishing last is something that will fuel the players," he said.
"I wouldn't say it's offensive towards us but I would say it's very disrespectful especially with the quality that we have in the squad."
Pre-season punditry has the Phoenix finishing as one of the league's cellar dwellers, just like in the last five years under Marko Rudan and then Talay.
In that time, the Nix made four finals campaigns - the league's second-best record behind only Melbourne City.
If they are to repeat the feat they will need help from their teenage talents.
The Nix have signed just two senior players - Mohamed Al-Taay and maligned gloveman Jack Duncan - and are relying on young Kiwi prospects to step into the breach.
Lucas Kelly-Heald is likely to be first into the fray, set to start round one against Western Sydney on Sunday at left back with Sam Sutton injured.
The Nix also believe striker Luke Supyk, midfielder Fin Conchie and defender Isaac Hughes - all new signings - can compete at A-League level.
Italiano says the experienced core - Kosta Barbarouses, David Ball, Alex Rufer and Scott Wootton - can foster the young pack.
Wellington have also one of the league's best strikers, Oskar Zawada, who Italiano admitted had attracted off-season interest.
"Interest from Europe, some interest from Asia," he said.
"It's a no brainer he does have that interest ... up until the transfer window he was still very open to a possible move.
"He's committed now to staying with us and hopefully putting back-to-back seasons as one of the leading goalscorers."
Italiano said Zawada's 15-goal first A-League season had showcased his skills.
"That's why I feel it's a little bit disrespectful for people to think that we're going to finish last with one of the best strikers in the league," he said.
"We've got experience and we've got good firepower.
"If we can put it all together and be consistent in what we're doing and believe in what we're trying to play, results will come."
