Ricki Herbert's men thumped Newcastle Jets 3-0 last weekend but beaten coach Gary van Egmond was less than effusive over the club's prospects of a top four finish.

After the defeat, the Jets coach was quoted: "The type of football that they show won't put them in good stead for the finals. I'd be very surprised if they made the top four."

The less than glowing assessment didn't escape the notice of Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata but he said it wasn't about proving van Egmond, or anyone else, wrong between now and the end of the season.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "It is his opinion but I have to say I was very disappointed with Gary's comments.

"But it is not about shutting anyone up or proving things to others. We want to do this (achieve success) for ourselves, for Wellington Phoenix.

"It's one week at a time for us and we know that every game now is a cup tie. All I can say is that we are going to give it a red hot go.

"Sydney is the next challenge for us and despite their disappointing run of results, they still have a quality team."

Phoenix travel across the Tasman with reasons for optimism as they have already tasted victory at Sydney Football Stadium this season, with a late Shane Smeltz penalty securing a 2-1 win in round 11. That followed the round six meeting in Wellington, also a 2-1 triumph for Herbert's side.