Meet the 10 bosses of each 10 clubs for the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season.
Marco Kurz (Adelaide United): The German has taken charge at Adelaide United and brought discipline and structure to the Reds’ pre-season campaign. The veteran of over 300 games as a player in the German top-flight, he has overseen an impressive pre-season campaign with plenty of goals scored, few conceded and an FFA Cup semi final to look forward to.
John Aloisi (Brisbane Roar): It’ll be a third season in charge at Suncorp for the former Caltex Socceroos hero and perhaps his most challenging with the departure of some high profile players. Continues to grow as a coach and has overseen consecutive top three finishes in his first two years in charge.
Paul Okon (Central Coast Mariners): The passionate former Caltex Socceroo takes charge at Gosford for a second year. After taking on a largely inherited roster last season, he’s had the opportunity to assemble his own squad this season and will back them to implement his game-plan. Works well with young players having previously been in charge of Australian under-age sides.
Warren Joyce (Melbourne City): The new man in charge at City played over 600 games in a professional career that spanned nearly two decades before turning his hand to coaching. The Englishman worked with the reserve side at Manchester United and will look to unlock City’s undoubted Hyundai A-League potential in 2017/18.
Kevin Muscat (Melbourne Victory): The former Caltex Socceroos captain will enter his fifth full season in charge of Victory, determined to challenge Sydney FC for top honours. Highly regarded in Australian football circles and seen by many as a future coach of Australia.
Ernie Merrick (Newcastle Jets): The wily Scot takes charge of his third Hyundai A-League club, having won two Championships with Victory before time in Wellington. Renowned for his preference for attacking football and giving young players a chance. Will bring up 250 Hyundai A-League games early in the new season.
Kenny Lowe (Perth Glory): Brought up 100 games in charge of Glory during last season’s finals and continues to impress with his tactical acumen and motivational ability. Always entertaining in media conferences and a genuinely likeable football man. Kicks every ball with his players during matches.
Graham Arnold (Sydney FC): The only coach to have brought significant success to two Hyundai A-League clubs. The former Mariners mentor oversaw a record-breaking 2016/17 Hyundai A-League campaign and has challenged his side to play even better this season. Highly respected in football circles.
Darije Kalezic (Wellington Phoenix): The Dutchman has taken the reins in Wellington and immediately brought structure and discipline to the side’s pre-season campaign. A deep thinker on football matters, he’s brought a much-needed hard-edged professionalism to the Phoenix, lifting the optimism levels of fans across the Tasman.
Tony Popovic (Western Sydney Wanderers): Western Sydney’s inaugural (and only) coach takes the side into its sixth season. ‘Popa’ is highly regarded with many attempts to woo him away from the club, so far unsuccessfully. A hard task-master and astute tactician.
