Perth Glory have sacked David Zdrilic from his role at head coach after an unstable opening into the new A-League season. Zdrilic’s exit follows just two games at the helm, including a 4-0 loss against Melbourne City last weekend. The decision to release him comes as a disappointment, as he was in the middle of a three-year contract with the club.
Zdrilic’s Glory were dismal, winning just four of 21 games under his leadership with 17 losses. The team’s poor performance last season, where they finished with just 17 points from 26 games and conceded a league-high 56 goals, set a troubling precedent that continued into the current season. Glory’s new campaign was opened with a 2-2 draw against Wellington before copping the heavy defeat to Melbourne City.
On 9 July 2024, Zdrilic left Sydney FC to join Perth Glory. Before that, he led teams across Germany, the United States and Italy. His tenure at the club has been marred with struggles, both internally within the organization and on the field as well.
In light of Zdrilic’s dismissal, Anthony Radlich communicated the decision to the players, emphasizing the club’s commitment to improving its standings in the league. The Glory administration gave their thanks to Zdrilic for all he accomplished in his tenure at Glory.
“Owner and chairman Ross Pelligra and the Perth Glory board would like to place on record their gratitude to David for his hard work and professionalism throughout his tenure at the club and wish him every success in his future endeavours,” – Perth Glory board
Perth Glory can’t wait to get back their fortunes. In the meantime, speculation is rampant about who their next football coach will be — if they get rid of Freeze. John Aloisi John Aloisi’s played his club coaching career in the shadow of his little brother, Western United’s championship-winning manager. Now, he is in the driver’s seat to become that choice. His experience and recent success in the league would offer the stability and direction that Glory so sorely requires at this critically pivotal time.
