Aurelio Vidmar has been rewarded for his strong record in the Hyundai A-League after it was announced he will be the new assistant coach of the Socceroos after the World Cup.
Vidmar will take his post after the World Cup and act as assistant to the new national team coach after Pim Verbeek’s departure to become national coach with Morocco.
Vidmar admitted the decision to leave Adelaide United was difficult, but said the time was right and that a once in a life-time opportunity like this was too good to turn down, saying it may never come around again.
The 2007-08 Hyundai A-League coach of the year said being able to remain in Adelaide with his young family was crucial in accepting the position.
“It was very difficult. It (Adelaide United) was a fantastic place to be in and fantastic people involved with the club,” Vidmar said.
“It took me about a week to weigh up the pros and cons, but I thought the time was right, as the opportunity may never come again.”
“There were two factors taken (into account) into making this decision and they were my private life and also my professional life. The position means I don’t need to move, I can do the job from Adelaide. To me, that was a big part in accepting the role.”
Vidmar compared it to when he took over the Reds from John Kosmina at the start of the 2007-08 season.
“It was a very similar feeling to when I was offered the job here three years ago,” he said.
“I thought if I don’t take it now, who knows when the next opportunity might arise. It might not arise at all so that was part of my thinking as well.”
Vidmar said he decided his future last week and will now join the Qantas Socceroos camp next week in South Africa.
The national team staff have already prepared a program for Vidmar so he can meet the necessary requirements in order to complete the coaching licenses needed to lead the Olyroos in London in 2012.
“I made the decision last Wednesday morning. I will be leaving on Tuesday for South Africa, Han Berger and Kelly Cross have put together some activities for me to fulfil while I’m there,” he said.
“It will be something new for me and I’m really excited about the challenge. I’ve spoken to Graham Arnold because he held that position for close to 10 years I think and he said the same thing. It’s a very tough job but very rewarding.”
Adelaide chief executive Sam Ciccarello said the club has already received considerable interest for the position but remains tight lipped about any candidates at this stage.
Assistant coach, Phil Stubbins will take the reins once pre-season training kicks off mid June.
Ciccarello admitted the search for a new coach will be on a global scale.
“We have commenced our search for a new coach, it will be a worldwide search and we are expecting significant interest in the position,” he said.
“We want someone that fits our culture. We’re going to make sure there is a very wide and considered search … we’ve got some names on the list but we want to make sure we consider anyone who will be the right pick for Adelaide United.”
“In the interim Phil Stubbins has been appointed as head coach, and he will take over the reins upon his return from holidays. We are very sad for Aurelio to leave us but of course very thrilled he has this opportunity.”
