Auckland FC announces new coaching staff for upcoming A-League season
Moreira takes charge
Auckland FC has appointed Pedro Moreira as its new head coach for the upcoming A-League season, concluding an international search for a replacement for championship-winning coach Steve Corica. Moreira, 51, brings extensive experience from various leagues, including Uzbekistan, Portugal, Italy, and Ukraine. His most recent role was with Pakhtakor FC in Uzbekistan, where he guided the club to the later stages of the AFC Asian Champions League and a second-place finish in their domestic league.
Moreira’s managerial career began in Portugal with S.C.U Torreense in 2022, followed by a stint at Casa Pia A.C. Before becoming a head coach, he served as an assistant manager at prominent European clubs such as FC Porto, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, and AS Roma. During this period, he worked alongside Paulo Fonseca, with whom he started collaborating at F.C Paços Ferreira in 2012/2013. Their partnership led to trophy wins in Portugal and Ukraine.
The new head coach also has a background in youth development, having worked with various Portuguese youth teams. In 2009, he joined Sporting CP‘s youth setup, contributing to the development of several current Portuguese international players. Bill Foley, Auckland FC’s owner, highlighted Moreira’s wealth of experience, noting his 15 years at a senior level in Europe and 10 years in youth development roles.
New faces in the backroom staff
Joining Moreira in the dugout are several new backroom staff members. Luke Casserly, a familiar face at Auckland FC, has been appointed as Assistant Coach. Casserly previously served as the club’s inaugural Reserves Coach, A-League Second Assistant, and the inaugural OFC Pro League Head Coach, leading the team to victory in that competition. He also has experience as Head of National Performance at Football Federation Australia and temporarily managed Auckland FC in a pre-season exhibition game against Tottenham Hotspur at Eden Park.
Rafael Moreira, who is not related to the new head coach, joins as the club’s new Head Analyst. He brings experience from top-flight Portuguese sides, including Casa Pia A.C. in Lisbon, and previous roles with FC Alverca and Amora FC.
Nathan Sherlock takes on the role of Head of Performance, overseeing player strength, conditioning, injury prevention, and recovery. Sherlock joined Auckland FC late last season and has prior experience with the U.S. Soccer Federation and previous A-League stints with Brisbane Roar.
Danny Milosevic has been named the new Goalkeeper Coach for the A-League Men’s squad. Milosevic has a history with Auckland, having played for the New Zealand Knights in 2005/2006. His playing career also included time with Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in England. More recently, he served as Goalkeeper Coach for the Thailand National Team and held similar positions with Perth Glory and the CommBank Matildas.
Preparations for the season ahead
Auckland FC’s chief executive officer, Nick Becker, expressed confidence in Moreira’s appointment, citing his tactical knowledge and understanding of the club’s ambitions. Director of football, Terry McFlynn, noted Moreira’s commitment to the club’s vision, particularly its focus on youth and developing player pathways.
Moreira’s first major match in charge will be the Fifa Intercontinental Cup game on 26 August against Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia. Auckland qualified for this tournament by winning the new Oceania Football Confederation Pro League final, and the team will comprise players from both the A-League and OFC squads. The A-League season is set to commence in October, with Auckland FC scheduled to play at home against Melbourne City on 17 October.
The club has also announced additional staff members, including Bede Christey as Lead Physiotherapist, Tseard Theo van der Mei as Sports Scientist / Strength and Conditioning, Ollie Milton as Physiotherapist, Colleen Winstanley as Chief Medical Officer & Team Doctor, Cam Kilgour as Team Manager & Kit Manager, and Michael Hill as Club Chef.
Source: aucklandfc.co.nz
