Western Sydney coach Marko Rudan has apologised for his media no-show, saying he should have done better in that moment despite dealing with some issues in his personal life.
Rudan decided not to front the media following his team’s record 7-0 A-League Men loss to Melbourne City on Tuesday night.
With questions about Rudan’s future the big talking point this week, the 48-year-old was the centre of attention on Saturday night as his team beat Perth Glory 2-1 on enemy territory.
After the match, Rudan spoke openly when answering tough questions about his future, whether he still had the support of the player group, and why he chose not to front the media on Tuesday night.
“I apologise for not fronting the media,” Rudan said.
“I understand that I’ve got a responsibility as the head coach of this football club.
“But without going into too much, there’s been a bit going on with myself personally, in my personal life.
“And there’s probably things a little bit more important for me as far as I’m concerned.
“But I should have been better in that moment.”
Although Rudan signed a three-year contract extension in January, the club’s recent three-match losing run and rumours of dressing room discontent sparked talk that he could receive the axe.
The Wanderers celebrate a goal with coach Marko Rudan against Perth Glory. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“Everybody wants a negative story. Everybody wants something bad for somebody else. No-one’s really happy and it just gives more fuel to the fire,” Rudan said.
“I think there’s been enough fuel given to this football club, and it’s important that we just move on from the external factors, and I was a big part of that after the Macarthur game and what unfolded thereafter.”
Rudan was handed a two-match ban for lashing out at referee Adam Kersey during a post-match rant following his team’s 4-3 loss to Macarthur on February 4.
Even more recently, Western Sydney’s active supporter group have threatened to boycott games after claiming their fans were unfairly treated by police in the 4-1 loss to Sydney on March 2.
Rudan said all the drama had taken a toll on the player group.
“That’s a lot, and when you’ve got so many young players that are affected by that, (it’s tough),” Rudan said.
“We spoke about that as a playing group after the game in Melbourne.
“They opened up, thankfully, because the young generation don’t really tend to talk a lot or communicate a lot.
“But we were able to get that out of them and they felt very vulnerable because of all the stuff that’s been going on in our football club, and that it’s clearly affected their performance as well.
“It’s my job to protect them from all that sort of stuff, especially knowing how they feel.”
Did Rudan still have the support of his players?
“I think the best way to answer that kind of talk was what you saw tonight, and particularly when we scored that second goal,” Rudan said in reference to the players coming over to him to celebrate Lachlan Brook’s 83rd-minute winner.
“They could have gone anyway (to celebrate). And they come over to the bench and we all stayed together.”
Rudan has been battling his own demons in recent times, but said his focus had quickly switched to picking up the spirits of his players.
“When you’re on your own, the demons start to appear in between your ears, and they can tell you all sorts of weird things,” Rudan said.
“But I’m quite fortunate I’ve been through enough setbacks as a player and as a coach and as a father, and that makes you stronger, so you’re able to deal with it a lot better.
“The most important thing was the group and how we managed them the last three days, and it was all about releasing the pressure valve and making sure they enjoyed themselves.
“We went out when we got into Perth, all together for dinner and a few drinks and we just had a laugh.
“We just tried to ease them and keep them relaxed.”
Sheffield WesDay
Roar Rookie
Rudan reminds me of my 7-year-old. When things are not going well he is all too quick to chuck a hissy fit and blame everyone else for his failings, but as soon as things look up and are going his way, he is all apologetic and cuddles. I understand he had something personal going on, but there is not one of us on earth that doesn't. The mark of a man is how you conduct yourself when the chips are down. Anyone can behave when people are watching and you are doing well. True test of character is what you in the dark when things don't go your way, especially if you are in any position of leadership. Ange is prime example. If his team underperforms, he quickly takes responsibility for not preparing them correctly, I have yet to see him throw anyone under the bus ever. Having said that, I am happy for him (at this stage) that he has not been given the boot. A league clubs are way too quick to show coaches and players the door after a few bad results, which is absurd being that there is really no down side to losing games in the A League. It is not as if they are in danger of relegation. Memories in football are very short. It was only last year that WSW were praising him as the saviour of their club, having restored some identity and pride, only to forget very quickly after what has been a rough month or so for them what he achieved. WU should also be commended for their decision to stand by JA after his meteoric drop in results from 2 years ago when he was the toast of the town, although you have to assume their patience will wear thin soon. I hope the Roar extend the same trust and belief in RZ over the next season or 2.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
yep, perth was the better team by far, but not on scoreboard. That is football. i wanted perth to win.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The theme of the special speech was it was all the young players fault. The reasoning they let in 1 goal and then that would cause them to let in as this generation was different and not used to the adversity of Rudans generation. It was 28 year old Tom Beadlingm however doing the funny business though that let in all the goals. It didnt bother Rudan he was on after half time. The weird thing is WSW are top the NPL with Younis p The sound of Rudans voice however was like he was quite satisfied with what was going on rather than upset. Maybe he needed the time to work to think of the excuses. How Perth lost that match is beyond me, Gorman missed his chances except the one he hit like a rocket into Aidan Simmons after the Taggart airswing. That was unsaveable otherwise. Its like the players have magnets in their heads I have seen so many goals saved by hitting a players head recently. The analysis of the last goal , Simon does he know what being in front of the kicker is. Lachman if the rest of his team heads off upfield he should know not to stay behind.