Adelaide United appoint Airton Andrioli as replacement for Carl Veart
Adelaide United’s new South American coach has an “attacking philosophy” that suits the Reds.
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New Adelaide United coach Airton Andrioli is set to “honour the legacy” of his predecessor Carl Veart with an attacking brand of football driven by South Australian talent.
The Reds on Monday confirmed the appointment of Andrioli, previously an assistant to Veart and head of the club’s youth program, on a two-year deal.
News Corp Australia revealed on April 10 – the same day that the Reds announced that Veart’s contract would not be renewed for next season – that Andrioli was the favourite to be the club’s next coach.
The 60-year-old Brazilian has strong links with South Australian football.
Andrioli played for West Adelaide in the old National Soccer League from 1994 to 1996 and was Football South Australia’s technical director from 2010 to 2020 before linking with the Reds.
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s side,” he said.
“This is a very special moment in my life and something I won’t take for granted.
“I’ve always believed in doing the hard work, especially when no one is watching, and leaving the rest in God’s hands.
“To be able to lead the best football club in Australia, at Coopers Stadium – arguably the best football stadium in the country – in front of the most passionate and loyal supporters, is something I can’t wait to experience.”
Reds technical director Ernest Faber said Andrioli had “already played a significant role” in the club’s recent progress, having helped develop the likes of Nestory Irankunda, Luka Jovanovic, Ethan Alagich Giuseppe Bovalina and Alex Popovic
“Airton knows this club very well,” Faber said.
“He’s the architect of our youth program, which is the lifeblood of Adelaide United.
“He’ll continue the great work he’s been doing but in a different capacity – backing young players, playing attacking football, and building a strong team culture.
“We believe Airton will help us grow steadily while staying true to the identity of Adelaide United.”
In a prepared statement, the Reds said Andrioli was “known for his attacking philosophy” that “aligns closely” with the club’s “style” of “fast-paced, direct football with an emphasis on speed, quick transitions, and structured movement”. The club said Andrioli would “blend” that with “tactical discipline and the ability to adapt based on each match’s demands”.
The Reds – who were knocked out in the first week of the A-League finals series earlier this month – also declared that Andrioli was “determined to honour Carl Veart’s legacy while carving his own path forward”, and a “commitment to South Australian talent” would “remain a cornerstone” of the club’s “football identity”.
Andrioli will continue to lead the Reds’ youth team in the NPL South Australia competition until the end of next month before the start of the A-League team’s pre-season training program on July 1, by which time Andrioli’s coaching staff will be confirmed.
Originally published as Adelaide United appoint Airton Andrioli as replacement for Carl Veart
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