Alen Stajcic rejoins A-League, formally signs with Perth Glory

After leading the Filipinas' FIFA Women's World Cup journey, Alen Stajcic joins Perth Glory in the A-League. Mia Montayre/PFF (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Alen Stajcic returns to the men's football scene as he signs with Perth Glory for the upcoming A-League season.

Perth announced on Thursday that Stajcic has officially joined the club after steering the Philippines' first-ever appearance in the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng announced on Tuesday that Stajcic and Nahuel Arrarte have opted not to re-sign with the national team after their contracts lapsed following their early exit from the World Cup.

Perth also announced on Thursday that Arrarte is joining Stajcic in their coaching staff.

Stajcic is not new to coaching an A-League side as he previously coached the Central Coast Mariners and led them to the 2021 A-League Finals Series right before he accepted the Filipinas job.

Now, he looks to steer Perth back to prominence after finishing ninth last A-League season.

“I believe an incredible opportunity now exists to re-establish Glory as one of the giants of Australian football and that vision is one shared by everyone at the club. I take great confidence from the groundwork which has been put in over the last year to set the club back on the path to success and am excited to help continue that process. Perth has such a rich history in football and a rich history in developing players. It is our vision to once again give the Perth football community a team and a club which they can be truly proud of,” Stajcic said.

Perth scores 'huge coup' in Alen Stajcic

Meanwhile, club CEO Anthony Radich described Stajcic's signing as "a huge coup for the club."

“I am highly delighted and proud on behalf of our Members and supporters that we have been able to secure Alen as the new head coach of Perth Glory Football Club,” Radich said. “He is someone who possesses all the attributes required to take this club forward both on and off the field and is the high-caliber appointment that Perth Glory needs and deserves.”

Stajcic and Arrarte are expected to be formally introduced personally to Perth players next week.

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