The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers are proud to announce Josep Gombau as the club’s new head coach.
Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed Spaniard Josep Gombau as the club’s new Hyundai A-League coach.
The ex-Adelaide United and Australian U23 mentor was appointed on Wednesday following an extensive worldwide search by the Wanderers.
In the end Gombau’s intimate knowledge of the Hyundai A-League and impressive resume got him the nod for the job left vacant by the departure of Tony Popovic just before the start of the 2017/18 Season.
“After an extensive worldwide search we are confident we have chosen the best candidate for the job,” said Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer.
“Josep is a man of impeccable character; he is a family man and has great credentials to fit into our operations to continue the growth of this fantastic football club.
“We have a shared vision for how the Wanderers can develop and shared ambitions for our future – mark my words, we have a bold plan for this football club and I look forward to having Josep lead our team this season and beyond.”
Gombau coached Adelaide United for two seasons, guiding the club to the Finals both years and also winning the 2014 Westfield FFA Cup.
The former Barcelona Youth coach has since been Australia U23s Head Coach as well as an assistant to Ange Postecoglou with the Caltex Socceroos.
“For me, this is an amazing opportunity at one of – if not the biggest – clubs in the Hyundai A-League,” said Gombau.
“My first game as a coach in Australia was against the Wanderers in a pre-season friendly match, and more than 7,000 people were there which was incredible – the noise they make and the atmosphere they create is incredible.
“As part of the National Team coaching unit I came to watch the Wanderers play often to monitor players, and the atmosphere has always been something special.
“I think it is important that we embrace the fans…play with passion…have passion in the team.”
The Wanderers have made an unbeaten start to the season under caretaker coach Hayden Foxe, and Gombau has vowed to make the fans proud of his team’s style of play.
“I look forward to building on the style of play that we want to play – attacking football that our members and fans will be proud to watch,” he said.
“Our first step is to build this attacking style together so that our brand of football is fast and is possession based. I like to play the way that honours keeping the ball, and I believe that this group of players at the Wanderers will take this style to another level.
“We have a strong team, so I want to get straight to work…I know the players want this too. We will build on our style, we will play to win -and we will play for the people of Western Sydney.”
Gombau will officially take charge of the side after their clash against Victory in Melbourne on Monday, November 6.
