Sydney FC have appointed experienced former Genoa FC Assistant Coach David Zdrilic to the Sky Blues’ Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s assistant role.
Zdrilic brings with him a wealth of coaching knowledge having spent three years at the RB Leipzig Academy working under distinguished German Coach Ralf Rangnick.
The former Socceroos striker has also had spells at Chicago Fire in the United States, K.V. Oostende in the Belgian Pro-League and Genoa FC in Italy’s Serie A.
A Sky Blues Championship winner with Steve Corica in 2006, Zdrilic was the Sydney FC’s under 20’s Head Coach and Academy First Grade Assistant between 2015 and 2017, before making the switch to Germany.
Head Coach Steve Corica welcomed his former team-mate’s appointment.
“He has learned a lot having coached overseas for the past six years, he has great tactical knowledge and he knows this club and our players very well,” he said.
“He also has great experience working with younger players at Leipzig and Sydney FC and I know he is looking forward to the fantastic blend we have in the squad.
“I’ve known him a long time, we’ve played together at Sydney FC, in England and for the Socceroos.
“He is the perfect coach for what we want to achieve this year.”
Zdrilic has also worked with coaches like Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hasenhüttl and Jesse Marsch and revealed he sees some exciting opportunities at the club.
“I’m thrilled to be returning and I’m extremely enthusiastic about the mix and potential of our squad this season,” he said.
“I know a lot of the players already and have seen several younger players coming through who are among the best I’ve witnessed at Sydney FC.
“It’s a great balance with our senior players complementing our youth.
“I think with a couple of additions, we will have a great chance of winning the Championship.”
Corica and Zdrilic will be supported by Sydney FC Academy first grade Head Coach Jimmy van Weeren who will combine his National Premier League duties with an A-League Men’s Assistant Coach position in a newly created role.
A key focus of Van Weeren’s role will be transitioning youth team players into A-League Men’s starting positions.
Elsewhere A-League Men’s Head of Medical Luke Heath will expand his role to oversee all medical staff across the entire club.
Alex Scardino has been promoted to Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sports Scientist for the A-League Men leveraging his significant experience with the club as a sports scientist and rehabilitation coach.
The appointments are in addition to the recruitment of Alex Wilkinson and Alex Baumjohann to the new roles of Head of Football Operations and Head of Player Management.
David Zdrilic Coaching Career
Isuzu-UTE A-League – Sydney FC – Assistant Coach – 2023 – Present
Serie A – Genoa FC – Assistant Coach – 2022 – 2023
Belgian Pro-League – K.V. Oostende – Assistant Coach – 2021
Major League Soccer – Chicago Fire – Assistant Coach – 2020 – 2021
Bundesliga U19 – RB Leipzig U19 – Assistant Coach – 2018 – 2020
Bundesliga U17 – RB Leipzig U17 – Assistant Coach – 2017 – 2018
NPL NSW Men’s U20 – Sydney FC – Head Coach – 2016 – 2017
NPL NSW Men’s 1 – Sydney FC – Assistant Coach – 2015 – 2016
NPL NSW Men’s 1 – Sydney United FC 58 – Head Coach – 2010 – 2011
NPL NSW Men’s 1 – Maccabi Hakoah Sydney City East FC – Head Coach – 2009 – 2010
