Hyundai A-League coach of the year Aurelio Vidmar admits he is still learning on the run as he maps out a path to match the deeds of his contemporaries in the coaching business.
Vidmar was unanimously voted the competition’s leading manager after guiding Adelaide United to the final of the Asian Champions League and backing that up with a second-place finish in the Hyundai A-League.
After only two years in the job, the 41-year-old former Socceroo is regarded as one of the country’s brightest young coaches.
But the modest Vidmar quickly deflects any praise, pointing out he is still very much a rookie and isn’t immune to errors.
“I think you learn every day, every training session,” he said.
“This year with all the travels and playing on three fronts – that’s a pretty daunting task – and you are learning all the time.”
“I heard ‘Kossie’ (John Kosmina) say the other day that he’s made mistakes and he’s been coaching for the last 15 years.”
“That’s part of the process and the longer you’re in the game the better you become I believe.”
Although listing Giovanni Trapattoni and Fabio Capello among his idols, Vidmar turns to local coaches for inspiration and lessons in longevity.
“I’m still very young in the game and I’d like to be in the game for a long time like Lawrie (McKinna) or Ernie (Merrick) or Frankie (Farina),” he said.
“If I can stay in the game as long as them then that would be great.”
“But you’ve got to be your own person – and that’s what I do and everyone should.”
“I’m only in my second year so to receive this award is a great honour.”
Vidmar can cap a remarkable season by taking the Reds to a grand final victory – a journey which begins with Saturday night’s major semi-final first leg against Melbourne at Hindmarsh Stadium.
