Former Socceroo Richard Garcia axed as Perth Glory coach

Perth’s home loss to fellow battlers Brisbane Roar was the last straw for Glory owner Tony Sage, who has sacked coach Richard Garcia.

Coach Richard Garcia has been sacked by Perth Glory. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

A-League cellar dwellers Perth Glory have sacked coach Richard Garcia.

Former Socceroo Garcia and his assistant Steven McGarry were shown the door following the Glory’s embarrassing 4-1 home loss to fellow battlers Brisbane Roar on Saturday night.

The Glory’s academy coach Ruben Zadkovich has been named as the club’s interim A-League coach for the rest of the season, with ex-Socceroos defender Chris Coyne to assist the 35-year-old former Sydney FC, Newcastle and Perth midfielder.

Glory owner and chairman Tony Sage said a “coaching change was essential in order for the club to move forward”.

The Glory are bottom of the ladder, having won just three of 16 A-League games this season.

“I would like to sincerely thank Richard and Steven for the huge level of dedication that they have shown during their two years at the helm,” Sage said.

“Covid-19 has had a huge impact upon the club on and off the field which cannot be overstated and its legacy is still being felt.

“Ultimately, however, this is a results business and unfortunately, claiming one point from our last four home games is an unacceptable return.

“The difficult decision has therefore been made to part company with the head coach and his assistant.”

Richard Garcia has been sacked as Perth Glory coach. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Sage said Zadkovich and Coyne now had “the honour” of not only taking charge of the first team for the rest of the season but also “further developing the crop of extremely promising young West Australian players”.

“Given their knowledge of these young players, coaching credentials and passion for the club, I am confident that Ruben and Chris will have an immediate positive impact upon the team’s performances and results,” Sage said.

Garcia filled the vacancy left by former Glory coach Tony Popovic before the start of the 2020-21 A-League season.

In 42 A-League matches in charge, Garcia had a record of 12 wins, 11 draws and 19 losses.

He is the second A-League coach to be sacked the season, with Western Sydney having axed Welshman Carl Robinson on January 31, also the day after a loss to the Roar.

Meanwhile, Western United coach John Aloisi does not regard his side’s 3-0 weekend loss to Sydney FC as a wake-up call.

The defeat ended United’s nine-match unbeaten run, with Aloisi’s men now a point behind leaders Melbourne City but still having two games in hand on the reigning A-League champions.

“I don’t think we needed a reminder,” Aloisi said

“We know how tough the league is and how tough every game is. It’s very hard to go in this league for so long without losing.

“We know there is still a long way to go. We’re ready for the fight.”

Originally published as Former Socceroo Richard Garcia axed as Perth Glory coach