Following confirmation that Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero is leaving Sydney FC in a playing capacity, there is only one thing that should be on chairman Scott Barlow’s mind.
he club must secure the little maestro as their coach for next season.
The two parties announced on Monday that they had mutually agreed to part ways. It follows a partnership of two seasons that, despite failing to hit dizzying heights on the field, has produced invaluable exposure for the game off the field.
Apparently there have been no talks about Del Piero taking on the head coaching position, vacant after Frank Farina was let go last week. Yet it should be a priority. Now that his playing future looks like drawing to a close, it’s imperative for the game that Del Piero stays in Australia.
A position in the youth academy has been mooted, but that isn’t good enough. Australia needs Del Piero more than it realises. His departure would leave a huge hole in the A-League, especially coupled with Shinji Ono’s move back to Japan.
It is thought he will return to Italy for a holiday before returning in August for the A-League All Stars match-up against Juventus. While it is uncertain whether he will look to extend his playing career, making him an offer too good to refuse could help him decide.
Del Piero has signalled his ambition to make the transition from player to coach on numerous occasions, and there is no doubt that Australia has won him over.
“As far as I’m concerned, Australia isn’t just a place; it’s a state of mind,” he wrote in the English release of his autobiography, Playing On.
It’s a risk, there’s no doubt about that. But with Sydney FC management seemingly ignoring the availability of the best possible candidate, Graham Arnold, what else are they planning? Arnold has also reportedly made all the right noises off the record that he will sign with the Newcastle Jets.
Another foreign coach could be a possibility, though taking on someone with no knowledge of the A-League is also a risk. It’s worked magnificently at Adelaide United with Josep Gombau, but there are plenty of counter examples in the league’s short history.
It is interesting, however, that both Sydney FC’s title victories have both come when overseas coaches were involved – Pierre Littbarski and Vitezslav Liavicka.
Former Sydney defender Mark Rudan has also been mentioned, and while he no doubt deserves his chance at the top level, his time will eventually come. Del Piero might not return, so this is an opportunity that cannot be missed.
Del Piero may lack the required coaching qualifications to take the top job, but the FFA would be crazy not to make an exception in this case.
His impact on Australian football is unrivalled, and it would be unthinkable not to at least put an offer to him. The A-League needs Del Piero, and Sydney FC should be doing everything it can to make sure he stays.
Jon
Guest
You do realise he is the interim coach, right?
Stevo
Roar Rookie
JA, just saying ;)
Myles Stedman
Roar Guru
Jason Kidd in the NBA? His injury-depleted Brooklyn Nets are competing in the playoffs right now.
Janek Speight
Expert
Disappointing Karlo, apparently Arnold was pretty keen on the Jets. Tinks is tightening those purse strings!
bp2
Guest
As a Wanderers fan, can they please appoint ADP! From a long term perspective it is a no win situation for them. If he is any good he will soon be off to manage in the Serie A or somewhere else, but in the more than likely scenario that he is crap then they have just wasted another season or two. I am not denying his qualities as a player and credential but it has been stated on here already that that doesnt necessarily make him a candidate for Supercoach. In fact it is more or a hindrance, especially coaching in a non primary language. Either way, great news for us!
nachos supreme
Guest
not to mention Capello, Puskas, Cruyff, Rykaard
perry cox
Roar Guru
I think it's looking like Graham Arnold is actually going to take the gig at Sydney now. theherald.com.au reports that the money on offer from Sydney is more than the offers from the Jets and the All Whites combined.
Frank Bellissimo
Guest
Adelaide had his next biggest fan base. Raptures of loud applause there when he got on and subbed off the field. Must be due to a huge Juve fan club there. But we're back to square one- the A league will probably no longer welcome him as a player. Looks like the best option was as an assistant coach, preferably for Sydney, but that is unlikely to happen. I liked the idea of him luring a high calibre mate from Europe and ADP being his high profile assistant. But for now it appears it required some hard decision making, ie to leave Oz altogether to keep his brand alive and move to the next phase of his career.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I wouldn't mind at all if FC appointed ADP as coach. It would be a gamble but reckon they should do it. The calibre of players he could attract would be highly desirable. He is footballing royalty and has worldwide respect. This doesn't mean jack for the onfield however how often does a guy of this pedigree come to Australia ? Take the punt and sign him I say. He seems to love Sydney and the Australian way of life. Sign him !
70s Mo
Guest
ADP is world footballing royalty. To suggest that he would be an assistant at Sydney FC for one or two years is really wishful thinking. I am sure he could get an assistant gig or ambassador role in a more prestigious league than Oz. So it's either head coach or nothing. Would Ale really prefer Adelaide to Sydney??
Robbie
Guest
You should tell Man United the same thing. Clearly they have no idea about football when they appointed Giggs..
Reginald Bomber
Roar Guru
Interesting stage of the Italian legend's career and would have liked to have been at the last meeting between SFC and ADP to find out what really happened. He could probably play on for another season in the A-League but I sense SFC don't see the value in him any more and needed a change. He's at a point in his career, where he and his agent wouldn't be able to go back to Europe and get the same money he was on - he could probably get more money in Asia or the MLS, but he seems to prefer the Australian lifestyle and Italian Communities. If he was given the SFC head coaching job it would only be to keep fans interested in SFC and coming to games. But he will be judged on results and it could turn ugly if it doesn't go well. I think the legend of ADP has out priced himself in the A-League. He might still have a season or two left in him in a non-strenuous league, so he'll probably end up in Asia or the MLS for a year or two and maybe come back then. There is also the possibility that another A-League club might make him an offer - I'm sure he'd love Adelaide and the wonderful Italian community there.
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
I honestly can't say I have any remote idea about Del Piero's prospective talents or wishes as a prospective coach. Del Piero is first and foremostly and will always be remembered by everyone else for being a Juventus and Italy player. His stint at Sydney has been cracking for the AFL (in my opinion) if you look at things in it's entirety. From his point of view, he got to extend his career for a couple of years that he wouldn't have managed in Italy and got to live in one of the world's great cities to boot, not a bad deal all round really. My point is that it would probably have to be a lifestyle decision for him should he consider coaching and wish to do it in Sydney. His heart and footbaling roots will be in Turin. It may be that he learns his trade in Italy or Europe and then heads back at some point. Most of these ultra competitive guys (which most top players are) always wish to test themselves at the highest levels and with the speed in his legs no longer an issue I suspect he'd want to try and make a go of things in Europe. I guess it depends on how much of an impression Sydney and Australia has made on him. I don't live in Australia but I absolutely love it there and would jump at the chance for instance but he may consider the level of football as more important, I dunno guess you'd have to ask him! I would agree with the sentiments that just by being a great player doesn't mean you'll become a great coach, but there are some exceptions, swings and roundabouts that one. Maybe at the least they could try to retain him in some ambassadorial role at least. Real started off in that way with Zidane and he's now on their coaching staff.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Holger won the ACL with Urawa Red Diamonds. He also won the Gold Cup (CONCACAF continental title) with Canada first go; almost won Asian Cup with Australia first go. I think Holger comes in and is successful early but cannot sustain in the long term. Appears to lose the dressing room as well. I think Sydney FC need a marquee manager, but ADP is not it at this point. Nor is Holger. I think ADP is cautious on his image and reputation - a move into coaching, and the choice of club for his first gig, will be thought over very carefully to ensure success - whether Sydney FC NYL would be a good first option to ease into management or straight into a senior team somewhere remains to be seen. For ADP he will need to rely on others to help cultivate his career as a manager, rather than him relying on his own boots directly influencing the game...
Fadida
Guest
I think you'll find that most, if not all of the names you've mentioned had an apprenticeship of some sort eg Guardiola managed Barca B, Heynckes was an assistant initially. Klopp did go straight in as manager. Sydney can't afford to get this wrong. They wasted the ADP years with a poor playing roster and the wrong coach. There are many coaches out there with proven records, on whom they wouldn't be taking a risk.
Franko
Guest
Remember when Ruud Gullit took over as player-manager at Chelsea and brought in some old pals. What's to say ADP couldn't do something similar here?
Janek Speight
Expert
If we're going to go that way, I'll join in Franz Beckenbauer Jupp Heynckes Kevin Keegan Carlo Ancelotti Pepe Guardiola Juergen Klopp Of course there's more former players that have failed at the first hurdle. That's simple mathematics. ADP can succeed in the A-League
Fadida
Guest
Ah, the old "he knows the game, was a star player so he must be able to coach" argument. I give you (in no particular order of rubbishness; Pauli Di Canio Alan Shearer Bryan Robson Roy Keane Ruud Gullit Diego Maradona Bobby Charlton The list is off the too of my head in 5 seconds. Feel free to add your favourite Great Player Can't Coach, that a club took a punt on, purely because they were a great player. I see the writer's desire to keep ADP here but Sydney must get this appointment right.
Fadida
Guest
All of Holger's achievements were in the distant past. The man is on a rapid downhill career trajectory. But if Sydney want boring, conservative, reactive football, a team of old men, then go for Holger (or keep Frankie).
Frank Bellissimo
Guest
Yeah I agree he can't coach Sydney, but keeping him here in some capacity will add value to the A League. Whether it can happen is another story.