Phoenix pair suffering World Cup hangovers

Wellington Phoenix favourites Leo Bertos and Tim Brown are suffering World Cup hangovers, according to football analyst David Chote.

Bertos started Sunday's match against Perth Glory on the bench and Brown was replaced at halftime, a remarkable fall from grace for the All Whites pair.

Both Chote and former All Whites coach John Adshead supported coach Ricki Herbert's selections despite the 2-1 loss.

"The Bertos that we remember is the guy that gets forward and runs at players and that has been lacking," said Chote.

"Whether that is due to the service he is getting or his own mental state, I don't know."

Chote felt Brown would struggle to start against Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night after a solid second-half performance by his replacement, Nick Ward.

"Tim Brown is quite a mystery," Chote said. "He was Mr Reliable in the middle of the park for the Phoenix last season, getting into the box and scoring goals. All of that has deserted him in the first few weeks. He's had a really quiet start."

For all that, Chote remains upbeat about the Phoenix.

"You wouldn't give up yet, they've just been slow out of the blocks. You'd be hopeful this weekend against Sydney they'd be better again."

Adshead was in Perth for Sunday's match and felt the Phoenix were worthy of a draw.

He can speak with authority on the difficulty of coming off the high of a World Cup, having coached the All Whites to the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

"The mental side is unbelievable, the best example is Tiger Woods," Adshead said. "He doesn't become a bad golfer because he has a layoff, he's not playing well because he has 1000 things going on in his head.

"Unfortunately, take Leo Bertos and Tim Brown, they have become superstars overnight and suddenly they have to pull the yellow and black shirt back on and play in the A-League."

Adshead predicts a turnaround on Saturday. "This is not a bad side, be patient."

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