New Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar insists he has mellowed since his fiery Adelaide United days.
But the former Socceroos captain has promised honesty will be on the cards as he tries to get City back to the top.
The 56-year-old will lead City until season’s end after replacing the sacked Rado Vidosic just two games into the A-League Men campaign.
Vidmar led Adelaide for 73 league games between 2007 and 2010 (25-21-27) and was well known for his fiery press conferences, including famously calling Adelaide a “p***ant town” in 2009.
When asked on Thursday if he had mellowed, Vidmar quipped: “Of course, can’t you see the grey hair?
“You get a hell of a lot of experiences, and part of the coaching journey is experience.
“From where I was 10, 13 years ago to what I am now is completely different.
“That (dealing with the media) is part of the job and maybe, probably why I get a lot of negative discussions, because I’m too honest.
“But that’s me, that’s part of my character.
Melbourne City caretaker coach Aurelio Vidmar speaks to media. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
“I’d rather be honest. There’s no crap and it’s clear, and when it’s clear it’s pretty easy for everyone, and obviously I’m consistent with that.”
Vidmar has already started tough conversations with his City charges.
“That’s probably one of my strengths, that I’m not shy to say what I think – sometimes to my detriment – but I’m really honest, and when there’s something to say, I say it,” he said.
“I think the boys appreciate it. That way it’s clear, it’s open. Everyone knows where they’re sitting, so that way there’s no excuse.
“And management also spoke to the players yesterday about that. This club has been a club that is a no-excuse club.
“They have everything they possibly need to perform at the highest level.”
Captain Jamie Maclaren expected Vidmar’s fresh perspective to get City firing.
“He saw a group that wasn’t so connected, wasn’t fighting for each other and almost accepting and allowing moments that have just passed in terms of conceding goals after goals and not really creating so much on the other side,” Maclaren said.
“He’s come in with a fresh set of eyes.
“He’s worked with a couple of the players in the group, but I know there’s some players he probably needs to speak to and then get an understanding of, and that’s mainly the foreigners who are new.
“But he’s been successful in the teams that he’s coached, especially in Asia, and I’ve played with him under the Olyroos. We attacked and we scored goals, and we didn’t concede too many, so that’s going to be the main aim.”
© AAP
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