Adelaide United have appointed Brazilian Airton Andrioli as the Isuzu UTE A-League club’s head coach.
Andrioli replaces Reds legend Carl Veart on a two-year deal with the option of a third after serving as Adelaide’s Head of Youth Football since 2020, while also working as one of the assistant coaches in the men’s program during that period.
The 60-year-old youth guru – who was pivotal in shaping South Australia’s footballing pathway – has been instrumental in the success of Adelaide’s famed academy and production line to the A-Leagues, helping either identify or develop current and past stars like Nestory Irankunda, Luka Jovanovic, Aurelio Vidmar Medallist Ethan Alagich, Ryan White, Harry Crawford, and Amlani Tatu, Giuseppe Bovalina, Steven Hall and Alex Popovic among others.
GRAND FINAL LOCKED IN: Everything you need to know ahead of the Melbourne Derby title decider
Former Solomon Islands head coach Andrioli led both Adelaide’s seniors and reserves squads to their respective NPLM SA Grand Finals, with the Seniors claiming a maiden NPL Championship in 2023. He will continue leading the youth team until the end of June, with the Reds to provide a further update on the future of the program in due course.
Adelaide will confirm Andrioli’s full coaching staff prior to the start of pre-season on July 1.
ULTIMATE GUIDE: Your one-stop shop for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s side,” Andrioli said.
“This is a very special moment in my life and something I won’t take for granted. I’ve always believed in doing the hard work, especially when no one is watching, and leaving the rest in God’s hands.
“To be able to lead the best football club in Australia, at Coopers Stadium — arguably the best football stadium in the country — in front of the most passionate and loyal supporters, is something I can’t wait to experience.
“My aim is to continue building on the strong foundations laid through our youth programs, providing young South Australians the opportunity to realise their dreams.”
Andrioli previously played for Gremio in his native Brazil and led minnows Solomon Islands against Guus Hiddink’s Socceroos in 2005.
He also spent two years playing for West Adelaide in the National Soccer League (NSL) before a brief coaching stint with Canberra Eclipse in the early 2000s.
Andrioli, who is known for his attacking philosophy, will now replace the long-serving head coach in Adelaide’s history – Veart – after he departed following the club’s Elimination Final loss to Western United.
VISIT THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE FINALS SERIES HUB
“Airton knows this club very well – he’s the architect of our youth program, which is the lifeblood of Adelaide United. He’s already played a significant role in the progress we’ve made over the past few years,” said Technical Director Ernest Faber.
“He’ll continue the great work he’s been doing, but in a different capacity – backing young players, playing attacking football, and building a strong team culture.
“We believe Airton will help us grow steadily while staying true to the identity of Adelaide United.”
