Western Sydney Wanderers FC have tonight confirmed the appointment of Alen Stajcic as the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League head coach for the upcoming season.
Stajcic comes to the Wanderers with experience on both the domestic and international stage, guiding several A-Leagues and National Team sides to success.
Recently, Stajcic was at A-Leagues outfit Perth Glory but previously led the Philippines Women’s National Team to their highest-ever FIFA ranking.
With the Philippines, Stajcic guided the side to the Semi Finals of the 2022 Asian Cup and helped them qualify for the 2023 FIFA World Cup – the first World Cup qualification in their history.
His spirited efforts on the international stage also saw him spearhead the CommBank Matildas to two Quarter Final finishes in the 2015 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics, two Runners Up finishes in the 2014 and 2018 Asian Cup as well as driving them to their record high FIFA World Ranking of 4 in 2017.
A distinguished coach, Stajcic was brought back to the domestic competition in March 2019 with the Central Coast Mariners where he laid the foundations for success.
With the Mariners, Stajcic led the club to their highest league finish since 2014 which saw them qualify for the 2020/21 Finals Series
A Western Sydney local, Stajcic’s appointment at the Red & Black is a full-circle moment for the player-turned-coach who started his professional football career down the road from the Wanderers Football Park at Mount Druitt Town Rangers.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson praised the appointment of Alen at the Wanderers.
“We are delighted to have Alen join the club as head coach for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season,” said Hudson.
“Alen has a global understanding of the game and has roots in Western Sydney so we are confident that he has the ability to achieve great things at the Wanderers.
“Alen has fantastic experience in inspiring the next generation of players and with the talent pool we have in Western Sydney, I have no doubt that we will see many rising stars and veterans excel under his leadership.
“I would like to thank the Wanderers members and fans for their patience during this process and encourage the entire Western Sydney region to get behind Alen and the club in what will be a very exciting 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-Leagues season.”
Alen Stajcic said his appointment was very special and that he has high hopes for the club.
“It’s a special feeling to come home and represent the region in which you were born and raised. I’m proud of the area and want the club to be a flagship and source of pride for the football people of the Western suburbs,” said Stajcic.
“The members and fans have always been amongst the most loyal, passionate and knowledgeable in the country, so I feel grateful, honoured and privileged to be given an opportunity to represent them by leading this great football club.
“My hopes are high and my ambitions are even higher as we look to collectively bring success back to the Wanderers.
“The West of Sydney has always been the heartbeat and lifeblood of footballing talent in this country and with hard work, desire and commitment, I will aim again to make this club the pinnacle of Australian football.”
