Brisbane Roar has officially appointed Michael Valkanis as the new head coach of the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s team, marking a significant shift in leadership following a disappointing season. Valkanis, who has returned to the A-League after more than seven years in European football, takes over from Ruben Zadkovich, who was sacked due to the team's poor performance.
The decision to bring Valkanis on board comes after the Roar finished the previous season in a disappointing second-to-last position, winning only five out of their 26 matches. This underwhelming performance, which included a late-season surge that narrowly avoided the wooden spoon, ultimately led to the dismissal of Zadkovich, despite having a year left on his contract.
Valkanis, 50, has a wealth of experience in coaching, having previously held positions with various clubs across Europe as well as in the A-League. His coaching journey began in 2010 and includes significant roles as head coach at Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel and Adana Demirspor in Turkey, as well as assistant coaching roles at Ajax and PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands, under former Melbourne City coach John van ‘t Schip.
In his new role, Valkanis will be joined by Borja Lema as assistant coach and Grijia Nektarios as head analyst. Both assistants bring valuable experience from their time working with Valkanis in Europe, and their collective knowledge is expected to help rejuvenate the struggling Roar side.
Brisbane Roar CEO Kaz Patafta expressed enthusiasm about Valkanis’s appointment, stating, “Our search for a new head coach here at Brisbane Roar took place both here and abroad, and we are excited to be able to welcome Michael and a number of his team to our football club as the new men’s head coach.” Patafta emphasized Valkanis’s stature and experience in both Australian and European football, highlighting his clear vision to elevate the team back to competing for silverware.
Valkanis himself expressed a deep commitment to restoring the club to its former glory, saying, “It’s sad to see the demise of the three-time A-League champions. We need to recreate what once existed here.” His determination to bring back the excitement and identity that the Roar once had is palpable, as he aims to revitalize the fan base and improve attendance at matches, which have dwindled to an average of just over 5,400 at Suncorp Stadium.
“We need to create an environment that’s going to allow the people to do their best work, become better players, and all share a vision of where we want to take this club,” Valkanis added. He is keen to implement a style of play that excites fans and brings them back to the stadium.
The Roar’s next challenge will be the Australia Cup playoff match against Wellington Phoenix, scheduled for May 14, 2025, in Darwin. This match is viewed as a crucial opportunity for Valkanis and his team to set a positive tone for the upcoming season. “This game is about next season and is of super importance,” Valkanis noted, emphasizing the need for a strong finish to the current season.
With Valkanis at the helm, there is a renewed sense of hope among Roar supporters. The club is looking to break free from the cycle of coaching changes that has plagued it in recent years. Since the departure of former coach Warren Moon in February 2023, the Roar has cycled through several head coaches, including caretaker roles, which has left the team struggling for consistency and identity.
As Valkanis steps into this pivotal role, he is aware of the challenges ahead but is ready to tackle them head-on. His extensive coaching background, combined with a clear vision for the club, positions him as a potentially transformative figure for Brisbane Roar. Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as the team embarks on this new chapter under his leadership.
In summary, the appointment of Michael Valkanis marks a critical juncture for Brisbane Roar as they aim to reclaim their status as contenders in the A-League. With a fresh coaching staff in place and a commitment to rebuilding the team’s identity, the Roar is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
