{"id":6899,"date":"2025-07-13T14:50:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-13T14:50:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/6899\/"},"modified":"2025-07-13T14:50:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-13T14:50:04","slug":"phil-parkinson-names-one-standout-from-wrexhams-win-over-melbourne-and-sends-athletic-warning-to-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/6899\/","title":{"rendered":"Phil Parkinson names one ‘standout’ from Wrexham’s win over Melbourne and sends ‘athletic’ warning to players"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wrexham produced a solid display to open their 2025-26 pre-season campaign with a victory.<\/p>\n

The Red Dragons eased to a 3-0 victory over Melbourne Victory on the first leg of their Australian tour and Phil Parkinson was impressed with Ryan Hardie<\/a> as the striker scored on his debut.<\/p>\n

The squad have now arrived in Sydney for their second game and the match could see the return of Sam Smith<\/a> and Jay Rodriguez<\/a> after the duo missed out in Melbourne.<\/p>\n

Despite their victory, Parkinson<\/a> is expecting another test for his side and has warned his players over the quality that all A-League sides possess.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Paul Mullin names multiple reasons he wanted to sign for Wigan Athletic from Wrexham, \u2018hopefully\u2026\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PhilPhoto by MARTIN KEEP\/AFP via Getty ImagesPhil Parkinson believes A-League sides have \u2018athleticism\u2019 in warning to Wrexham players<\/p>\n

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Wrexham\u2019s clash with Sydney FC, Parkinson has warned his players over the \u2018athleticism\u2019 that the Australian sides possess.<\/p>\n

Parkinson stated: \u201cI think that all the teams are very athletic, we saw that on Friday night against Melbourne Victory. There are players who are making that transition into the European leagues and it\u2019s great that it\u2019s flourishing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that their season\u2019s quite a way off, but they\u2019ve got the cup competition coming up and they\u2019ve been back more or less the same time as us, having had a few weeks in pre-season.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f \u201cI think that all the teams are very athletic. We saw that on Friday night against Melbourne Victory.”<\/p>\n

Phil Parkinson spoke in Sydney this morning, ahead of our second pre-season match, against @SydneyFC<\/a> \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd34\u26aa #WxmAFC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) July 13, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of very technical players, but I think the good thing about the Australian teams, particularly is the athleticism of players.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a standout for us against Melbourne Victory, as they have the pace and running power in the team. It was good for us to come up against that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrexham are interested in Liberato Cacace<\/a> and the left side of the defence is an area that the manager is keen to strengthen this summer.<\/p>\n

Thomas O\u2019Connor<\/a> struggled in the first half against Melbourne, the defender was caught out for pace on a number of occasions and this will be a concern heading into the Championship<\/a> campaign.<\/p>\n

\"LiberatoPhoto by Gabriele Maltinti\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Parkinson has the likes of Lewis Brunt<\/a> and James McClean<\/a> down that left channel but will also be wanting to add depth to his squad as the rigours of the season hit.<\/p>\n

Cacace is known for his running power and being a New Zealand international, he could be the \u2018athletic\u2019 target that Parkinson is desperate to add to his squad.<\/p>\n