Brisbane Roar have officially appointed Ruben Zadkovich as the club’s new head coach on a two-year deal.
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Zadkovich takes charge of the club on a full time basis following the departure of Ben Cahn, who officially left the Roar last week as he continues to battle a health condition.
Initially appointed back at the start of 2024 following the departure of Ross Aloisi, Cahn was only able to take charge of five matches before he was forced to take a leave of absence from the club in order to focus on his health, facilitating the appointment of Zadkovich as the then interim head coach until the end of the season.
However, following Cahn’s decision to leave the Roar permanently the club have now acted swiftly in appointing his successor, opting to give Zadkovich the job on a permanent basis having overseen the last 11 matches.
“I’m well aware of the success this football club has had in the past,” said Zadkovich after signing his new contract.
“It’s an honour to be appointed Head Coach at such a wonderful club. It’s a role I embrace with an overwhelming sense of pride, passion, and humility.
“I am also very excited to embrace the opportunity to lead the club through the challenges ahead, with a dedicated staff line-up, an extremely loyal fan base, and a very committed group of players that can take the club upwards again.
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He continued: “In challenging circumstances this season, we have been supported by a strong membership base and match attendances, confirming just how loyal and passionate the Brisbane Roar fans are for their team and club.”
“I’m excited to be planning for next season in many facets of the club and football department.”
“We’re aiming to reward those loyal fans and members with the sort of attacking, dynamic football that encapsulates the Queensland spirit and football DNA that has brought the club success in the past.”
The decision to appoint Zadkovich is seemingly the first part of a new strategy being put in place at the club with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kaz Patafta and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Zac Anderson set to unveil a new four-year plan to make the club self-sufficient.
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“Ruben is one of a new wave of young Australian coaches who have made the A-League so exciting in recent seasons,” said Patafta. “We’re delighted he’s committed to us for the next two seasons.
“We feel we have a lot of young talent at this club and Ruben is the ideal figure and leader to help our Men’s team develop into another of the great Brisbane Roar teams.
“We have already begun planning what our senior squad will look like for next season with the aim of displaying a really positive brand of football.”
Following on from the appointment of Zadkovich the club have also handed a two-year deal to assistant coach Chris Coyne.
Furthermore, the club’s coaching staff will also now include Second Assistant, Graham Harvey, Head Analyst, Prashim Bhandari, Head of Physiotherapy & High Performance, Shane Carr, Head of Rehabilitation & Reconditioning, Jasraj Sidhu, Head of Strength & Conditioning, Daniel Favier, and Head Goalkeeping Coach, Frank Juric.
