Football star Josh Oluwayemi has become an unwitting internet sensation for all the wrong reasons after a mind-boggling goalkeeping error helped condemn his A-League side to a humiliating 5-0 hammering. The catastrophic mistake directly prompted Wellington Phoenix manager Giancarlo Italiano to resign from his position with immediate effect following the match.
Manager Falls on His Sword After Derby Drubbing
Giancarlo Italiano fell on his sword during his post-match press conference after Wellington Phoenix suffered a comprehensive thrashing at the hands of rivals Auckland FC at Sky Stadium on Saturday. The manager's dramatic exit came after a derby disaster that was headlined by a comical own goal from goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi that led to his substitution at halftime.
Goalkeeper's Howler Destined for Blooper Reels
Oluwayemi's 24th-minute howler looks destined to become a permanent fixture on goalkeeper gaffe compilations after the Phoenix No.1 completely misjudged a routine clearance from teammate Jake Girdwood-Reich. Approximately 75 metres out from Wellington's goal, Girdwood-Reich cleared a ball downfield that caught Oluwayemi well outside his penalty area.
Whether wind conditions played a contributing factor remains uncertain, but the goalkeeper disastrously misjudged the flight of the ball and was forced into an awkward backpedal before inadvertently heading it into his own net. The viral moment captured Oluwayemi's stunned reaction seconds after the catastrophic error that gave Auckland an early advantage.
Further Errors Compound the Crisis
The goalkeeper was also caught in no-man's land for Jesse Randall's second goal as Auckland raced to a commanding 4-0 halftime lead. This additional mistake prompted Italiano to substitute Oluwayemi for backup goalkeeper Alby Kelly-Heald at the interval.
Italiano revealed the extent of his halftime fury, stating: "I went in, I lost my s**t. I told everyone that was unacceptable and I just simply said to them at halftime, 'You're playing for the badge.' The boys battled but the game was already gone."
Coach Takes Full Responsibility for Catastrophic Result
The Australian coach, who had spent seven years in the New Zealand capital including serving as Ufuk Talay's assistant before securing the top position for the 2023-24 season, accepted complete responsibility for the embarrassing defeat. Italiano had initially enjoyed success with the Phoenix, guiding them to a second-place finish during his first campaign in charge.
However, Wellington slumped to 11th position last season and currently occupy 10th place, having failed to secure a victory in their last five matches. The manager's frustration was palpable as he explained his decision to resign.
"To lose 5-0 at home with the season still to play for is unacceptable, I take full responsibility," Italiano declared. "I've told the club, I've tendered my resignation. I think it's easier for someone to come in with new energy and refocus the group."
The coach specifically referenced Oluwayemi's errors while maintaining accountability: "Even today, irrespective [of] if Josh made some errors in goals, it was me that picked him so that falls on me."
Rivalry Record Adds to Humiliation
The comprehensive defeat extended Wellington Phoenix's miserable record against their rivals, having now lost all six derby encounters against Auckland FC. Significantly, every one of these losses occurred under Italiano's management tenure.
Italiano expressed particular disdain for the manner of defeat against their rivals: "I'm not a big fan of the club, Auckland, I don't like the way they do things, but you can't lose to rivals like that. It's unacceptable anywhere in the world. If Sampdoria play Genoa tomorrow and lose 5-0, I'd want the coach out."
The departing manager concluded: "It's unacceptable and it's in the interest of the club they bring someone in with a bit more energy." Italiano added that he was looking forward to enjoying some restful sleep now that he was unemployed.
Wellington Phoenix now face the challenging task of regrouping as they prepare to host Sydney FC, now managed by former Phoenix boss Ufuk Talay, next Sunday. The club must navigate this transitional period while contending with the viral infamy of Oluwayemi's extraordinary goalkeeping blunder and the sudden departure of their manager.
