Western United captain Ben Garuccio to ‘lead by example’ on and off the field

Western United’s new captain expects his players to produce a ‘high level’ of performance.

Ben Garuccio says expectations are high in the Western United camp. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

New Western United captain Ben Garuccio has promised to find a balance between his “old school” methods and a more modern approach to leadership as his team embarks on its 2024-25 A-League campaign.

Having not played finals football since winning the championship in 2022, United starts its revival bid with a tough test on Sunday against the Phoenix in Wellington.

“The expectation is always the same, and that’s to win trophies,” said Garuccio, who was appointed skipper following the former captain Josh Risdon’s departure for Perth Glory.

“First and foremost, we need to start the season really strongly, put ourselves in finals contention and then at the end of the season, anything can happen, just like in the season that we won the title.”

New Western United captain will ‘demand a lot’ from his players. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Garuccio, 29, doesn’t intend to let United down after being chosen as the man to replace Risdon.

“To be voted as captain by my peers and the coaches is a massive moment for me,” he said.

“I like to think that I’m a good leader. I’m probably one of the last players still playing that grew up in that kind of `old school’ era, so I am someone that demands a lot from the players around me, and I always expect them to be at a very high level.

“But these days, the way the game has gone and the way society has gone, you really have to feel your way out for certain individuals.

“No two people are the same. Some people you really have to put your arm around, other people you can afford to be a little bit firmer with, and they actually thrive under those conditions.

“It’s a really personal thing. That’s probably what it means to be a captain. It’s to be personable with your players, know which ones you can push a little bit harder and which ones need a little `TLC’ sometimes.”

United coach John Aloisi said Garuccio “leads by example” on and off the field.

“I know Benny really well … and he’s developing into a good leader,” Aloisi said.

“I expect Benny to be the same dynamic player he has been.”

United will face weekend face a Phoenix outfit that last season fell short of a grand-final appearance by only one week after finishing in second spot on the ladder.

“They’ll do well this season again you’d expect but every team have their good players, their experienced players, and also a blend with some younger players, so it’s going to be a tight league and every game’s going to be tough,” Aloisi said.