Former Sydney FC and Socceroos striker David Zdrillic has returned to the Sky Blues, taking on the role of assistant coach for the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League side.
Zdrillic returns to Australia after accruing extensive coaching experience abroad, including assistant roles in RB Leipzig’s academy, at Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire, K.V Oostende in the Belgian Pro League and, most recently, at Genoa FC in the Italian top flight.
Zdrillic won the A-League Men championship at the Sky Blues with now head coach Steve Corica; post-retirement he took on roles in the club’s youth setup before a move to Germany in 2017.
Zdrillic has worked under the likes of Ralf Rangnick, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hasenhüttl and Jesse Marsch as he’s honed his craft in management.
“I’m thrilled to be returning and I’m extremely enthusiastic about the mix and potential of our squad this season,” Zdrillic said.
“I know a lot of the players already and have seen several younger players coming through who are among the best I’ve witnessed at Sydney FC.
“It’s a great balance with our senior players complementing our youth.
“I think with a couple of additions, we will have a great chance of winning the Championship.”
Zdrillic’s return to the club was announced along with the promotion of Sydney FC academy first grade head coach Jimmy van Weeren to a combined NPL/A-Leaue Men assistant role.
Sydney head coach Steve Corica added: “(Zdrillic) has learned a lot having coached overseas for the past six years, he has great tactical knowledge and he knows this club and our players very well,” he said.
“He also has great experience working with younger players at Leipzig and Sydney FC and I know he is looking forward to the fantastic blend we have in the squad.
“I’ve known him a long time, we’ve played together at Sydney FC, in England and for the Socceroos.
“He is the perfect coach for what we want to achieve this year.”
Zdrillic’s coaching history
- 2009-10: Maccabi Hakoah Sydney City East FC – Head Coac (NPL NSW Men’s 1)
- 2010-11: Sydney United FC 58 – Head Coach (NPL NSW Men’s 1)
- 2015-16: Sydney FC – Assistant Coach (NPL NSW Men’s 1)
- 2016-17: Sydney FC – Head Coach (NPL NSW Men’s U20)
- 2017-18: RB Leipzig U17 – Assistant Coach (Bundesliga U17)
- 2018-20: RB Leipzig U19 – Assistant Caoch (Bundesliga U19)
- 2020-21: Chicago Fire – Assistant Coach (Major League Soccer)
- 2021: K.V Oostende – Assistant Coach (Belgian Pro League)
- 2022-23: Genoa FC – Assistant Coach (Serie A)
- 2023-present: Sydney FC – Assistant Coach (Isuzu UTE A-League)
