Steve Corica

The chance to start a new chapter with Auckland FC was appealing. It’s an exciting time for football in New Zealand, especially with the club’s ambition to make a mark in the A-League. I’m looking forward to building a competitive team and creating a strong foundation for the club.

My playing days certainly had a significant impact on my coaching philosophy. Captaining Sydney FC and leading the team to a domestic double taught me a lot about leadership and team dynamics. Experiencing different cultures and playing styles while playing abroad in England and Japan also broadened my understanding of the game, which I now bring to my coaching.

Those early years were crucial for my development as a coach. Working with the youth team allowed me to focus on player development, and understanding the importance of nurturing talent. When I became an assistant coach, I learned a lot about tactical preparation and game management from some great mentors. Each step has been a building block leading to my time as head coach at Sydney FC.

Winning the A-League Grand Final in my first season was a standout moment. It showed that the team was capable of achieving great things together. Another highlight was our record-breaking fifth A-League finals trophy, which was a testament to the hard work everyone put in. I’m proud of what we accomplished during my time there, but now I’m focused on the future with Auckland FC.

Every challenge is an opportunity to learn. The difficulties we faced last season were tough, but they taught me resilience and the importance of adapting. As I step into this new role, I’m bringing those lessons with me. I’m determined to build a positive environment and make smart decisions to ensure Auckland FC can compete at a high level.

I plan to leverage my experience by creating a strong team culture and instilling a winning mentality. I want to utilize my knowledge of the A-League to recruit the right players and build a cohesive squad. I believe in developing young talent and integrating them with experienced players to create a balanced team capable of achieving our goals.

Terry and I have a strong friendship and a mutual understanding of the game. We’re committed to making Auckland FC a competitive team in the A-League. We aren’t here to make up the numbers, we are here to win!