Tara Murray
New Western United coach John Aloisi is relishing being back on the pitch.
The former Socceroos star has returned to the coaching ranks for next season, having previously coached Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar.
Aloisi has hit the ground running since joining United a couple of weeks ago.
“It’s really enjoyable and it’s good to be back in coaching,” he said.
“You realise how much you miss it when you step foot back on the pitch again and start coaching.
“The guys have been really good and really receptive to what we are trying to do and so far it has been enjoyable.”
Aloisi is aware of the opportunity that he has at United to help the young club make it’s mark. He said those at the club share his ambitious vision.
“They have set a good foundation to help grow the club and there’s a lot of exciting things happening and a lot of potential within this football club,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity not only for myself, but for everyone who’s involved with Western United. There is a lot of work to do, we know it’s a process.”
United finished 10th last season after playing finals in the first year.
Aloisi said the group took a lot out of the disappointing season.
It will be a slightly different looking squad this year with a number of changes, including Besart Berisha not returning.
The new signings include goalkeeper Jamie Young, Noah Botic, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Ben Garuccio and Dylan Wenzel-Halls.
Aloisi said he was expecting to see fast-paced side.
“There’s definitely an opportunity,” he said.
“We still have some big names. Alessandro Diamanti is still here and some young players who have shown that they have got quality and we have signed a few experienced players.
“We will definitely have pace going forward with a lot of quick players and we will play an attacking brand of football. We will be very well organised as well.”
Aloisi said he was excited to coach some of the young guys like Lachie Wales and Dylan Pierias who have just returned from the Olympics.
He said those guys have the tools, it’s about taking them to the next level.
Josh Risdon, who had an injury interrupted season last year, has been one of the standouts in pre-season, while he expects Víctor Sánchez to be better for having a season in the competition.
In short time Aloisi has been at the club, he has been impressed with some of the young local talent on show.
“It’s unfortunate that the NPL has been in lockdown,” he said.
“A lot of have trained with us and there’s a lot of good young players, but it might take them a few yeas.
“There’s some who have already had a taste, Adisu Bayew who has been impressive so far and one of the younger boys Rhys Bozinovski has just signed a scholarship deal.
“There are some good signs for there.”
Aloisi first game as coach is meant to in the FFA Cup against Newcastle, but it has been postponed due to the pandemic.
