Adelaide Icon Takes on New Role at the Reds with South Australia’s Rising Coaching Star

Adelaide United icon Javi López will continue his legacy with the Reds after retiring from professional football, having been appointed the club’s transition and individual coach on a three-year contract.

The 39-year-old’s new position was announced as the club appointed Elvis Markov as the interim head coach for the youth team for the remainder of the 2025 NPL South Australia season; López will join Markov as an assistant coach for Adelaide’s NPL team.

Markov is set to step into his role as interim head coach following Airton Andrioli’s final match at the helm of Adelaide’s NPL squad this Saturday.

In addition to supporting Markov in the NPL setup, López’s role will include enhancing the connection between the club’s academy and senior teams.

The Reds legend hung up his boots at the conclusion of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 season, where he made 91 appearances for the club over five seasons.

“I’m incredibly enthusiastic about starting my coaching career with Adelaide United,” López expressed.

“The club and the community have always been extraordinarily welcoming to me and my family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give something back. I look forward to aiding young players in their development and helping them realise their full potential in football.”

Meanwhile, Markov is preparing to assume full responsibilities as interim coach of the NPL team after serving as assistant coach for the youth setup over the past five years.

Regarded by the club as one of South Australia’s most promising coaching talents, Markov considers stepping in for Andrioli—who has now been appointed head coach of Adelaide’s A-League squad—a “humbling privilege.”

“As a dedicated supporter of the club, I’m honoured to guide our young players on their journey to A-League football,” Markov stated.

“I’d like to thank Airton for his remarkable work in establishing solid foundations and congratulate him on his well-deserved opportunity with the A-League side. We’ve collaborated closely for many years, and I greatly value his friendship, support, and mentorship.

“I’m also delighted to welcome Javi to the coaching team. His playing experience and character will significantly benefit our group.”

Ernest Faber, Adelaide United’s technical director, noted: “Javi brings enthusiasm, insight, and a profound connection to our club’s ethos, while Elvis contributes extensive local knowledge and is a highly respected coach with decades of experience in South Australian football.

“Together, they offer an ideal foundation for our youth players to flourish for the remainder of this season and into the future.”