Western United rewarded for faith shown in ‘full package’ John Aloisi

All John Aloisi wanted was another coaching chance, and his wish was finally granted to him by Western United.

Western United coach John Aloisi celebrates following his team’s semi-final win over Melbourne Victory. Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

John Aloisi never doubted his ability as a coach, but the Socceroos legend had lost hope that he would get another job in the A-League – until he was interviewed by Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis.

While much has been made of the Melbourne Victory’s remarkable rise from competition cellar dwellers to championship contenders this season under Tony Popovic, Aloisi’s effort to take the less glamorous United from also-rans to grand finalists this weekend is an even better achievement.

Aloisi had been all but written off as a coach after previous stints with Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar, despite twice taking the Queenslanders to within a match of the grand final in his three and half seasons at the club.

Like Aloisi, United was dismissed as a talent after losing eight straight games at the end of last season under then coach Mark Rudan.

However, Rudan’s subsequent departure finally led to another opportunity for Aloisi after almost three years in the coaching wilderness.

“I didn’t doubt myself but there was doubt that I’d ever get another opportunity because I went for a few jobs and I missed out on them,” said the 46-year-old South Australian, who seemed certain to land the Victory coaching job in 2020 only to miss out to novice Grant Brebner in a farcical decision that proved disastrous for the Melbourne club.

“It would always come down to me being one of the final two.

“Why was it me that missed out? I don’t know, but I’m grateful that Western United gave me this opportunity.”

Western United coach John Aloisi addresses his players after their semi-final win over Melbourne Victory. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Pehlivanis had no doubt Aloisi was the right man to guide the fortunes of a club that was still in its infancy but desperate to make a mark in the A-League.

“He’s not only a top bloke, he’s a top leader,” Pehlivanis said.

“He’s also a leader who leads with integrity. He’s a motivator and he’s someone that can get the whole playing group and the whole staff behind him. He’s the full package.

“We’re an ambitious club, we’ve always been a club looking to do well, and having John as coach has given us the ability to fulfil our dreams.

“Not many people gave him a chance but when I interviewed him for the job, he was clearly the person that I wanted to bring to this club.”

Now all that stands between Aloisi and the ultimate success as an A-League coach is Melbourne City, the competition’s reigning champions.

However, reaching the grand final, and hopefully for United’s sake winning it, is an achievement that Aloisi said belonged to the whole club, not just him.

“It’s the whole team, and the whole club that has come together and really pushed in the same direction,” the man affectionately known as “Johnny A” said.

“That’s the reason why it’s worked so far and we just keep on working hard.

“The culture within the group is brilliant. They want to work and they want to fight for each other. That gets me excited and happy.

“It’s clear that in terms of the vision of the whole club and the journey that we’re on, I knew that this was the right place for me.”

Originally published as Western United rewarded for faith shown in ‘full package’ John Aloisi