Steve Corica Honoured as Coach of A-League Team of the Decade

Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica has been recognised for his significant contributions to the A-League by being selected as the coach of the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Team of the Decade for 2015-2025. This accolade marks a second recognition for Corica, who had previously been named a substitute in the PFA A-League Team of the Decade for 2005-2015 during his playing career with Sydney FC.

Corica joined Auckland FC in its inaugural season in 2024/25 and successfully led the team to claim the Premiers Plate. Prior to his tenure at Auckland, he coached Sydney FC from 2018, where he secured two A-League Premierships and one Championship. The Team of the Decade selection was made solely by PFA members, comprising both past and present A-League Men players, and featured a starting XI, seven substitutes, a coach, and a referee arranged in a 4-3-3 formation.

Corica expressed his surprise and gratitude for the honour, stating, “This is a really special award. I was a little surprised as there are some big names who have had incredible coaching careers over the past 10 years, but I’m happy and honoured to be recognised in this way.” He acknowledged the support he has received throughout his career, particularly from his family, noting, “It is not always easy for football families; they have to endure a lot, the highs and lows. But today is definitely a high.”

Auckland FC’s chief executive officer, Nick Becker, praised Corica’s achievements, saying he is “incredibly deserving” of the award. Becker highlighted Corica’s remarkable A-League career, noting that he has consistently won silverware as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. “Everyone at Auckland FC is phenomenally proud of him and his achievements,” Becker added.

Looking ahead, Corica shared his aspirations for the future, indicating a desire to expand his coaching career internationally. “I have ambitions at some stage to coach overseas as well. As a player, I wanted to play overseas and try against the best level you can, and as a coach, it’s no different for me. I’m quite ambitious; after 20 years in the A-League, I think at some stage I’d like to try overseas and see what happens after that,” he explained.

The complete PFA A-League Team of the Decade for 2015-2025 includes:

– **Goalkeeper**: Danny Vukovic
– **Defenders**: Scott Jamieson, Curtis Good, Alex Wilkinson (C), Rhyan Grant
– **Midfielders**: Luke Brattan, Diego Castro, Miloš Ninković
– **Forwards**: Craig Goodwin, Jamie Maclaren, Kosta Barbarouses
– **Substitutes**: Jamie Young (GK), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Aziz Behich, Anthony Caceres, Isaias, Bruno Fornaroli, Besart Berisha
– **Coach**: Steve Corica
– **Referee**: Alex King

The recognition of Corica’s impact on Australian football underscores the importance of his contributions over the past decade. His leadership and vision continue to shape the sport as he embarks on the next chapter of his coaching journey.