Canberra United coach’s vow as Ninja A-League season looms

Canberra United head coach Antoni Jagarinec said his team are “very confident” they will climb the Ninja A-League standings “very quickly” in 2024-25.

It is a new era in Canberra, where Jagarinec steps up from his role as assistant to his first head coaching position in the A-Leagues following the departure of Njegosh Popovich.

The capital club have gone three Ninja A-League campaigns without a Finals appearance, having finished second from bottom in 2023-24.

SIGNINGS, FULL SQUAD & FIXTURES: Guide to Canberra United’s Ninja A-League 2024-25 season

Jagarinec will be tasked with overseeing a period of transition at Canberra, who have already lost three star players in Vesna MilivojevicChloe Lincoln and Sasha Grove, but have retained legendary striker Michelle Heyman.

Canberra are set to kick off their campaign against Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park on November 2 and when asked what his hopes are for season 2024-25, Jagarinec told reporters: “Be competitive and more.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the off-season and a lot of work in pre-season with the ladies.

“We’re itching to go and show what it’s all been about, and all the hard work and see what we can do from there.”

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Sally JamesElizabeth AntonAideen KeaneJynaya Dos SantosDarcey MaloneBethany Gordon, Maja Markovski, Emma Robers and Jaya Bowman are the new faces at Canberra.

While Canberra have re-signed Ruby NathanHayley Taylor-YoungSofia ChristophersonMichelle Heyman, Holly Murray, Mary Stanic-FloodyTegan Bertolissio, Lillian Skelly.

“Extremely hard but we’re very happy with what we’ve done,” said Jagarinec after being asked about the difficulties around building his squad.

“We’re very confident we’re going to be more than competitive and we’re going to be climbing up the ladder very quickly and taking lots of points this season.”

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