Mark Rudan given long-term coaching deal by struggling Western Sydney Wanderers

Despite his recent poor coaching record in the A-League, Mark Rudan has the belief of Western Sydney Wanderers officials.

Mark Rudan’s Western Sydney coaching tenure has been extended. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Western Sydney Wanderers have put their long-term faith in coach Mark Rudan despite his ordinary record since taking charge last month.

Initially appointed as Wanderers coach for the rest of the season following the sacking of Carl Robinson on January 30, Rudan was on Friday given the job until the end of the 2023-24 A-League season.

Heading into Saturday night’s derby against Sydney FC at CommBank Stadium, the Wanderers have lost four of their six matches under Rudan and are sitting just a point clear of cellar dwellers Brisbane Roar.

It’s a continuation of Rudan’s recent A-League problems, with Western United have lost their final eight games of the 2020-21 season under his guidance before he parted company with the Victorian club last June.

However, Western Sydney chairman Paul Lederer said Rudan had “proved” he could take the Wanderers “forward”.

“We have seen in only four short weeks the increased effort and energy Mark has brought to this playing group and staff, and we look forward to giving him the opportunity to shape this squad over the coming seasons,” Lederer said.

“I have a lot of faith in Mark, that is why we have given him direct control of the football department to help shape it into a team that will fight for this club, this region and most importantly for our members and fans.

“Mark is from the west, he is passionate about the west and he knows how hard the people of the west work, which is something he brings to this football club – hard work, determination and fight.”

Mark Rudan’s stint as Wanderers coach has been extended. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Rudan was “extremely proud and honoured” to take Wanderers forward despite acknowledging the enormity of the task to rectify Western Sydney’s woes.

“I am under no illusion how big a job this is going to be,” Rudan said.

“We need to build a team, together, that is representative of the fans. What the fans do to make this club special doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I want to give them something that when they turn up they are proud of the team that plays for them, proud of a team from the west.

“This is personal for me as someone from the area. To create a winning mentality and an environment that is going to make players grow and learn is very important.”

The Wanderers will this weekend host a Sydney FC side that could include recent Dutch signing Luciano Narsingh.

Sydney coach Steve Corica said: “He’s been here for a few weeks now and he’s done all the sessions with us. He’s looking fitter and we want to try and get him into the team as soon as possible and it’s exciting.”

Narsingh was “happy to have joined the biggest club in the country”.

“I’m very happy to be a part of this fixture and I’m looking forward to getting my first minutes for the club,” the former PSV Eindhoven, Swansea City and Feyenoord winger said.