Highly-rated coach Ante Jurić faces an agonising decision whether or not to lead Sydney United into Sunday’s Australian Cup battle.
Jurić runs the risk of being fired by Sydney FC should he assume his role in the Edensor Park dugout.
As revealed by the Vjesnik, the ex-Socceroo had written into his contract when he signed for Sydney United that he was not allowed to coach against Sydney FC because he leads their women’s side.
Sydney United’s understanding is that it was relevant only for their NPL clashes – with Jurić watching on from the stands in their two NPL top tier battles this season.
However the A-League club is digging its heels in ahead of Sunday’s Round of 16 Australia Cup encounter, with major news outlets have reported that the Sky Blues have claimed it is for betting integrity reasons.
Ironically the man on standby to coach United should Jurić step aside, Thomas Whitehouse, is Jurić’s Sydney FC women’s assistant.
It is believed that Jurić was still mulling over the decision, which could go down to the wire.
“It’s up to him.” United president Mark Ivančić said. “He hasn’t decided yet, but it’s his decision to make.”
“We found out yesterday (that he might not be coaching). It isn’t ideal,” said captain Adrian Vlastelica ahead of the clash. “But he will have all the prep work done to make sure Sunday is smooth for us.
The boys will be using it as an added incentive to get the job done for him.” They’ve got leaders on the pitch and a squad that knows how to dig deep when it matters most.
It’s not just a football match, it’s a clash of cultures.
A proud Croatian rooted club from the NPL facing off against one of the country’s A-League heavyweights. Sydney United have been here before, but the question is, can they do it again?
Sydney United aren’t strangers to the cup. Back in 2022, they made national headlines by
becoming the first NPL team to reach the Australia Cup Final and they did it the hard way,
knocking out two A-League sides before eventually falling to Macarthur FC in the big finale.
That campaign showed what this club is made of, grit, unity, and a whole lot of heart, especially in front of a home crowd that brings noise, colour, and a sea of red and white.
For the fans, many of them part of Sydney’s Croatian community, this is more than football. It’s pride, tradition and a party every time they play at home.
For the players, the occasion means just as much. “It is a great opportunity not only for the club, who are back on the national stage where it belongs, but also the players in the squad to showcase their ability and qualities on the big stage,”
“Everyone is excited and ready to go. Training has been excellent, you can feel the buzz of a big game. We are confident that we can come away with a victory at home with the crowd pushing us over the line.”
Sydney United earned their spot in the Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Northern Tigers in the Round of 32. The Tigers, making their first-ever appearance on the national Cup stage, came to play but United weren’t rattled.
It was young Luke Zuvela who stepped up, finding the back of the net just before half time. From there, United held their ground with classic Cup composure, solid at the back, no unnecessary risks and seeing it out like seasoned pros.
“It’s exciting to be back. As a player, you love to play in big games, especially in the
Australia Cup. To draw an A-League club from Sydney in this round makes it an even
bigger fixture,” said Vlastelica.
“It’s a much different team from three years ago, with a lot of fresh faces and only three or
four of us from the last run. We are a younger side but also have some boys who have
played at a high level, which will put us in a good place for this match with plenty of
energy.” But beyond the Cup run, this fixture holds deeper meaning.
“It’s massive,” he said. “As a proud Croatian, there is no better feeling than seeing our
club back where it belongs.
Hopefully we can do the community proud on Sunday and write another piece of history for our great club. This game is also important to give back to all the people who spend countless hours of their own time behind the scenes making sure we all put our best foot forward for the club.” As for motivation? Is it unfinished business? “I wouldn’t say unfinished business but more wanting to win as many trophies as possible.
We have the Waratah Cup under our belt, and now this is the next step on the path to win this trophy.” And to the fans who are preparing to pack the stands? “As always, a massive thank you for your support. Please turn out in huge numbers again this Sunday to drive us over the line. Your support from the stands gives us an extra level in these games. As always, ŽIVJELA NAŠA SYDNEY CROATIA. See you Sunday.”
Sydney United have done it before and with their crowd behind them, possibly without their head coach on the bench, don’t be surprised if they do it again.
