Juric wants more than just ALW glory

After the success of Ange Postecoglou, Kevin Muscat and Joe Montemurro, Ante Juric could well be the next Australian coach to test his arm on the international stage.

The former Socceroos defender will take charge of Sydney FC in Sunday’s A-League Women grand final against Melbourne Victory, aiming for a fifth piece of silverware in as many years.

In the 48-year-old’s time with the Sky Blues, the club has failed to finish outside the top two just once and reached the grand final every season.

A win over the Victory on Sunday, which would be his second championship, would surely open up questions about where his career goes from here.

“At the moment I’m happy with Sydney and I will probably stay another year,” he told AAP.

“There’s a women’s World Cup here in Australia next year so there might be a few opportunities to help out with a national team.

“There’s been some interest overseas, that’s nice to get because it means you’re doing something right.”

That interest is understandable when you look at Juric’s record.

This year, Sydney conceded just six goals in the regular season, clinched the league record for clean sheets and racked up plenty of big scorelines on their way to the third premiership of his tenure.

It’s not like he’s winning with big-name imports, either.

Sydney’s squad has an average age of 22 and in the last year alone the likes of Cortnee Vine and Remy Siemsen have turned out for the Matildas.

Left back Ally Green is also set to earn a call-up for New Zealand next month.

“Nobody taught me how to do this – the way I coach is the way I played,” he said.

“You bring a lot of people together and it’s guiding them through belief.

“I am a teacher so maybe it comes from that. Everyone’s different, some need a soft hand, some need a bit of toughness. Showing you care and believe in your players is probably the key.

“I get a lot of joy and seeing the girls flourish and make international teams is incredibly rewarding.”

The style which breeds that success is one of tough love, according to one Sydney player.

Juric is never satisfied, he’s a stickler for perfection. 

If his side win 5-1 he will speak about how they could have doubled their tally and kept their opponent scoreless.

“I always tell the girls that success is fleeting and everyone wants to knock you off,” he said.

“It’s harder to stay on top because everyone wants to take you down and the worst teams will always play their best games against us.

“If we take anything for granted – we are in strife. I don’t give them the chance to be complacent.”