Auckland FC coach's 'best' A-League statement

Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica insisted the Black Knights have the best fans in the Isuzu UTE A-League and it is only going to get bigger.

Reigning premiers Auckland are at home for the first time this season as they welcome Western Sydney Wanderers to Go Media Stadium in Round 2 on Saturday.

Auckland broke all kinds of records and claimed the Premiership in their inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League season before falling agonisingly short in the 2024-25 Semi-Finals. Despite missing out on the Grand Final and a Championship, it was a dream first season for the Black Knights with sell-out crowds and historic feats.

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After capturing the hearts and minds of the Auckland public in 2024-25, Corica said it will only get better this season with ‘The Port’ sold out on Saturday.

“We’re blessed to have the support that we’ve got,” Corica told reporters.

“The best in the A-League at the moment.

“I feel there’s going to be bigger this season. I think the Port is going to grow with the memberships already growing.

“We expect more people and more support, and then it’s up to us to try and do what we did last season.”

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Corica, whose Auckland drew 0-0 away to Melbourne Victory on the opening weekend, added: “They got right behind us from the start. It’s growing all the time.

“The word around town is, obviously we’re back and playing, and they’ll come out to support us.”

Auckland star Louis Verstraete echoed his coach’s sentiment heading into the second week of the season.

“Safe to say we have the best fans in the league,” said the Belgian midfielder. “That’s why I play football, in the end, to play for fans.

“I was really grateful that we had so many fans last season.”