Football: What’s behind Auckland FC’s blockbuster start to life in the A-League?
Auckland FC have taken the A-League by storm. The new club boasts a perfect record from their first three games and has yet to concede a goal, matching Adelaide’s 2005 record for consecutive clean sheets. Off the field, the Black Knights are generating buzz with large crowds, impressive merchandise sales, and significant media attention. Michael Burgess explores their recipe for early success.
Local foundation
The club were focused on building a Kiwi base and 18 of their squad are New Zealanders, with 13 either from Auckland or with links to the city. While that includes Academy players, six of the starting XI last Saturday held a Kiwi passport. That has provided the right kind of culture and environment. Not only are locals invested in success, they understand the landscape and what it means for the city to have professional football again.
Steve Corica was the most experienced A-League coach on the market and was a logical pick, even if there were doubters, after the way his long Sydney FC tenure ended. Corica was hungry and ready for a new challenge and so far this is the perfect fit. Assistant Danny Hay is adding a lot to the equation and is the ideal foil. Like Corica, he had a lot to prove, given the circumstances of his exit from the All Whites and is thriving in this environment.
Right recruitment
Auckland FC has plenty of money – thanks to the deep pockets of the owners – and more resources than several other clubs. But they have spent wisely. The visa players have settled well and showed potential, both as individuals and as a collective. Perhaps most importantly, they have embraced the environment, rewarding the club’s deliberate search for good characters as well as good players.
Japanese veteran Hiroki Sakai had nothing left to prove when he came to Auckland – but he has brought the attitude of a first-year rookie. The 34-year-old was the first visa player to arrive and set the standard with his professionalism, on and off the field. That was the ideal example for the mostly young group at the time and meant the culture was already established once the other foreign recruits and high-profile Australian and New Zealand signings began training.
Defensive dynamite
Corica focused on building a defensive platform throughout the pre-season and it has paid off. The team has a sound structure and solidity in front of goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, who hasn’t been required often. Holding midfielder Louis Verstraete has been key in front of the back four but the emphasis is on defending as a team. They’ve also tried to be assertive in possession and press as much as possible, which has shifted engagement further up the field.
Daylight delight
The club pushed for family-friendly kick-off times from the outset and both Sky Television and the A-League bosses deserve credit for agreeing to that request. Playing in the afternoon or early evening has boosted crowds and engendered a great atmosphere, while the operations and commercial side of the club have provided an attractive match day experience at Go Media stadium.
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