As Friday night’s landmark Isuzu UTE A-League Elimination Final approaches, Western United’s head coach John Aloisi engages in a candid discussion with aleagues.com.au. The conversation delves into his experiences of being away from family, the responsibilities of fatherhood, weekly guidance from his dad, perceptions of his career, and his aspirations for the future.
In the calm setting of a room overlooking Ironbark Fields, with groundsmen readying the pitch for Friday’s anticipated match, Aloisi reflects on the significance of family and fatherhood in his life.
There exists John Aloisi, the coach—an esteemed figure in Australian football, famed for scoring that pivotal penalty that liberated the Socceroos from 32 years of heartache and brought joy to Australian fans.
And then, there’s John Aloisi, the devoted husband and father.
“Family means everything to me,” he shares.
For the last three and a half years, however, the Western United coach has been separated from his three daughters, who reside in Brisbane since his days with the Roar. Until recently, Aloisi’s wife Angela was also living up north.
“It’s been tough because we’re a very close family, and I cherish every moment spent together,” Aloisi expressed to aleagues.com.au just prior to the Elimination Final against Adelaide United—Western’s inaugural finals match at Ironbark Fields.
“Angela has supported me through the good and bad times, and my girls too. Even when we are apart, they keep in touch over FaceTime.”
Just this January, Angela relocated back to Melbourne.
She and the couple’s three daughters, all born in Spain, had settled in Victoria during Aloisi’s tenure as head coach at Melbourne Heart (now Melbourne City), before moving to Brisbane when Aloisi took over the Roar. At the time of Aloisi’s appointment at Western United in 2021, their daughters were still schooling, making a second move unfeasible.
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Aloisi acknowledged, “Her move has been incredibly beneficial. Sometimes, a phone conversation doesn’t quite compare to face-to-face discussions. She can see when I need some space or if I require support,” as he navigates a landmark season with Western United.
“It’s the same for her; I need to be aware of what she’s dealing with. I don’t want to be selfish and make it all about me. I also want to support her with the kids, as it distracts me from constantly thinking about football.”
“If I don’t do that, football can consume my thoughts, and sometimes, it’s essential to take a step back.”
With Angela now in Melbourne, she has been able to impact Aloisi’s coaching techniques at Tarneit.
“She’s remarkably astute,” he noted. “Having watched a lot of football over the years, she can gauge the confidence and mood of the players, which often leads to insightful discussions.
“She tends to shy away from watching games on television because they make her too anxious, but she enjoys attending live matches. After the games, we have valuable discussions about the performances.”
“I sometimes find myself at the computer, asking her to take a look at what I’m analysing. If I’m tuned into a match, I’ll invite her to watch. While she may not provide tactical strategies, she understands players and their emotions because she knows me well.”
As the proud father of three daughters—an endearing term nowadays being Girl Dad—Aloisi’s eyes light up discussing his children.
Being a father has also influenced Aloisi’s coaching philosophy.
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“Raising three daughters, I’ve learnt to communicate and understand each of their individual needs,” Aloisi explained.
“We have our family rules, like ‘Girls, we want you home by a certain time’ but it’s vital to consider that each one is different. This insight translates into my coaching ethos.
“I aim to treat all players as if they are part of my family, yet I acknowledge that each requires unique approaches because no two are alike. This perspective as a father greatly aids my coaching.”
“The emotional bond I share with my daughters teaches me to be emotionally intelligent, to empathise with what players might be going through in their lives. Ultimately, I am a coach who must make important, sometimes tough decisions that may not always be well-received.”
“These decisions are always in the best interest of the team or club. I understand they are individuals too, and I never take it personally.”
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The significance of family resonates throughout the interview, illustrating its profound impact on Aloisi as both a person and a coach.
His father, Rocky, a notable figure in South Australian football renowned for coaching Adelaide City and Campbelltown City, has also imparted valuable teachings onto Aloisi.
Rocky remains a guiding force, mentoring Aloisi and analysing games post-match.
“I gain significant insights from him, even when the feedback can be quite blunt,” Aloisi grinned.
“With his extensive coaching background and leadership experience, he can identify aspects that I may overlook.”
“His honesty is refreshing, but it’s important to remember that he’s observing from a distance. Having a different voice occasionally helps me see things from a new perspective.”
“He truly enjoys this season, possibly more than any other season he has witnessed me coach or play, because he appreciates the young players and the vibrant energy they bring.”
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The discussion then shifts to belief and perception as Aloisi gears up for Western United’s first finals appearance since clinching the 2022 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship.
That championship marked Aloisi’s return to coaching after a three-year hiatus and was the Green and Black’s inaugural title, achieved in their first Grand Final just three years after the club’s establishment.
Despite this success, one could argue that Aloisi remains underrated in the coaching sphere. Unlike some of his peers, the former Osasuna, Alaves, and Portsmouth striker tends to stay under the radar in coaching discussions within Australia.
So, what’s the perception?
“I’m unsure of how others perceive me. It seems that there’s less conversation around my tactical approach or how my teams function. No one ever seems to mention that,” Aloisi remarked.
“I’m confident in my tactical knowledge and the clarity in my team’s playing style.”
“I don’t frequently discuss these elements, which may lead people to question whether I’m too nice to be a coach,” he continued.
“For some, this may raise doubts about my capabilities. I’m certain of my vision for the club and the playing style I wish to implement. Sometimes results don’t materialise as expected.”
“When discussing coaches, people often say, ‘He’s technically adept.’ But how do they come to that conclusion? Is it based solely on the conversations they hear?”
“I don’t believe in cryptic communication. My media experience has taught me the importance of having a clear message, and that’s how I prefer to operate.”
Having faced past challenges with Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar, Aloisi has largely remained impervious to external noise.
During his tenure in Brisbane, the Roar consistently reached finals, coming heartbreakingly close to the Premiers Plate in Aloisi’s debut season and making the Semi-Finals twice, including an unforgettable 5-4 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2016 playoffs.
These experiences came after a challenging first senior coaching position at Melbourne Heart in 2012-13.
“Throughout any career, whether as a player or coach, there can be moments of self-doubt. It’s essential to recognise this, but my confidence in my abilities has never wavered,” he said.
“I regard my Melbourne Heart experience as beneficial, despite the disappointing results. It allowed me to navigate challenges that may not have been apparent in the moment.”
“With each experience, I’ve learnt a great deal about coaching and leading a team, and ensuring that my vision for them is clear—even when external factors are beyond my control,” he continued.
Reflecting on his coaching in Brisbane, Aloisi mentioned, “We showcased some of the best football during my time, especially in the beginning. We scored loads of goals and were competitively close to winning.”
“I consistently maintained my belief while growing and adapting to various situations. The outside perceptions can often create doubt about a coach’s abilities when results are not favourable.”
“I don’t let it affect me too much; my concern lies in how it influences the players and those who might question my capabilities, but I’ve gained valuable lessons from every coaching experience.”
Aloisi candidly admitted there was uncertainty about his future in Australian coaching.
“I wasn’t sure if I would get another coaching role here,” he reflected, recalling his exit from the Roar and a stint in coaching limbo for three years. He faced a similar situation after leaving Melbourne in 2013, during which he went without a coaching position for two years before receiving an offer in Brisbane.
His experience with trailblazer Ange Postecoglou, who was in charge of the Socceroos during that period, proved invaluable.
“He provided invaluable insights from his own journey, sharing how he navigated setbacks and job hunt challenges,” Aloisi recounted.
“He encouraged me to explore opportunities in the media realm, facilitating my understanding of the media landscape and my ability to address boards and various stakeholders effectively.”
Prior to his role at Western United, Aloisi pursued coaching opportunities with Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory, reaching the final stages but ultimately falling short.
“It left me wondering about the perceptions surrounding me as a coach. While I am committed to being authentic, I’m not one to alter my persona just to win people over,” he said.
“What’s presented is my genuine self; this is my coaching philosophy, and this is how I envision our footballing approach.”
Even as he adapts to the needs of his club, Aloisi acknowledges that he’s rooted in his core principles. When he joined Western United, he inherited a squad largely composed of seasoned players who weren’t as mobile and had to adjust his coaching style accordingly.
Aloisi pointed to similar adaptations observed during his time at Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar.
This season’s Western United squad reflects Aloisi’s vision—youthful, swift, high-scoring, and entertaining to watch.
The team is now a legitimate contender for the Championship in the 2024-25 season, narrowly missing out on securing a spot for the lucrative AFC Champions League.
However, despite the exciting prospects this season holds, Aloisi’s future remains uncertain as his contract nears its end.
As discussions with KAM Melbourne, who recently acquired a controlling stake in the club, continue, Aloisi is keen on exploring opportunities beyond Australian shores.
“I’m in discussions with the new investors, and I know they would love for me to remain. We’re currently working on how that will work moving forward,” Aloisi shared.
“I’ve always been impressed by the club’s vision. Despite the ups and downs, there’s a clear path ahead, both on and off the pitch.”
“Regarding my coaching ambitions, I have aspirations to coach internationally at some stage. I’m not sure when that opportunity will arise, but I’m hopeful for the future.”
“While I’m focused on my current position, my priority is to enhance the club’s success and pursue silverware.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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