Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed Alen Stajcic as the club’s new Isuzu UTE A-League head coach ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Stajcic joined the Wanderers on the day of his confirmed departure from Perth Glory; he signed a three-year contract with Perth in 2023 but made his exit less than one year into the deal, opting for a new challenge in Western Sydney.
The 50-year-old, who led the Philippines women’s national team to their highest-ever FIFA ranking and to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup before joining Glory, has filled the Wanderers’ head coach role left vacant by Marko Rudan, who departed the club in May due to personal reasons after more than two years at the helm.
Stajcic – a Western Sydney local – revealed his intention to make the Wanderers a powerhouse through his time at the club as he joined the club for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
“It’s a special feeling to come home and represent the region in which you were born and raised. I’m proud of the area and want the club to be a flagship and source of pride for the football people of the Western suburbs,” Stajcic said.
“The members and fans have always been amongst the most loyal, passionate and knowledgeable in the country, so I feel grateful, honoured and privileged to be given an opportunity to represent them by leading this great football club.
“My hopes are high and my ambitions are even higher as we look to collectively bring success back to the Wanderers.
“The West of Sydney has always been the heartbeat and lifeblood of footballing talent in this country and with hard work, desire and commitment, I will aim again to make this club the pinnacle of Australian football.”
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Stajcic was lauded by Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson as a coach capable of helping both young players flourish and experienced veterans perform at the club as he signed on for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
“We are delighted to have Alen join the club as head coach for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season,” said Hudson.
“Alen has a global understanding of the game and has roots in Western Sydney so we are confident that he has the ability to achieve great things at the Wanderers.
“Alen has fantastic experience in inspiring the next generation of players and with the talent pool we have in Western Sydney, I have no doubt that we will see many rising stars and veterans excel under his leadership.
“I would like to thank the Wanderers members and fans for their patience during this process and encourage the entire Western Sydney region to get behind Alen and the club in what will be a very exciting 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-Leagues season.”
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