New Thunder coach focuses on club's DNA

New South West Queensland Thunder coach wants to nurture club's youth for future success.

FOOTBALL: Thiago Kosloski is already planning a bright youthful future for the South West Queensland Thunder.

Just one official day into his tenure as the NPL club's technical director and senior men's coach, Kosloski made his intentions very clear.

"It is a pleasure for me to part of this family," he said.

"I am very excited to be starting as technical director and senior men's coach.

"We're already working on keeping as many players as possible from last season's squad.

"We also want to give opportunities to young and regional players to be part of this club."

Drawing on his extensive international experience as a player and coach, the Brazilian believes it is important the Thunder built for the future.

"It is important we look at the DNA and identity of the club," Kosloski said.

"We must develop our young players and give them the opportunity to grow.

"We will look at international players but only if they are right for the club."

IN CHARGE: South West Queensland Thunder vice chairman Jason Hall (left) chats with new technical director and senior men's coach Thiago Kosloski. Picture: Nev Madsen

Kosloski's Thunder will also be an offensively minded team.

"Football is about offence in Brazil - attacking and putting pressure on your opponent," he said.

"I want my players, my team to put pressure on the opponents high up the field, that is how we will play.

"But we must also learn to look at the situation.

"They (the players) will be taught how to play different formations and ways to allow for the situation.

"Our under-18s and 20s will learn pre-dominantly the 4-3-3 formation in line with FFA regulations but we also learn different styles of formation and football."

Having worked through 50 applications for Kosloski's position, Thunder vice-chairman Jason Hall said the club was excited to secure his signature.

"It is a great opportunity and signing for us," Hall said.

"We had a lot of interest for the role but we felt Thiago was the standout."

Hall said the Thunder believed Kosloski could build on the club's recent success.

"Our first goal last season was to avoid relegation," Hall said.

"In the end we had our best season to date and we'd love to see similar results next season.

"Our focus is long-term as well, though.

"We have a four-year plan and we see Thiago as a big part of that plan."

Originally published as New Thunder coach focuses on club's DNA