As Aurelio Vidmar prepares to enter another season at the helm of Melbourne City, the experienced Head Coach has reflected on what makes the Club unique and why he remains excited about the future.
Approaching three years since his arrival, Vidmar has overseen a period that has included an A-League Men’s Championship and an impressive AFC Champions League Elite campaign.
Having coached across the A-League, Asia and at international level, Vidmar believes the environment at City has played a significant role in his time at the Club.
Speaking ahead of the 2026/27 season, he highlighted the professionalism and alignment across the organisation as key factors in building a successful football program.
“Look, I think when I first came here almost three years ago, just the level of professionalism, the alignment I have with not just Michael, but also, the board and CEO, for example,” he explained during City’s season preview. “I only had that in Adelaide. I had that in Adelaide, and I have that here.”
“Everyone’s on the same page. Even when you’re having a little bit of a rough time and some poor results, no one wavers. Everyone’s still following a path.”
For Vidmar, that consistency has been particularly important when navigating the challenges that come with a demanding football season.
“And I think that’s important because you can get very emotional,” he said. “Emotions are always high if you win and the very low when you lose. And, everyone at the club just keeps calm and focus on what’s, you know, what’s the right path.”
Director of Football Michael Petrillo echoed those sentiments, highlighting Vidmar’s experience and composure as important qualities throughout his time at the Club.
The pair have worked closely together to navigate challenging periods, including injuries and the demands of competing across domestic and continental competitions.
“I think he brings a really good balance, you know to the group, certainly a coach that I’ve known for a long time and a lot of experience behind him which is great.”
“But yeah, I think just that calmness, that balance, experience, you know, and also he believes in the way we want to play football which is important.”
That shared football philosophy will again underpin City’s approach in 2026/27, with the Club assembling a refreshed squad featuring experienced internationals alongside some of Australia’s most exciting young talent.
Despite the changes in personnel, the expectations remain unchanged.
For both Vidmar and Petrillo, competing for silverware is an important part of the standards set at Melbourne City.
“The expectations at Melbourne City, whether it’s a men’s or women’s team are quite high,” Petrillo said. “We want to try and finish in the top two and ultimately win. You know, there’s no other objective for us. And that hasn’t changed over the course of the last decade or so.”
With another pre-season nearing completion, Vidmar is looking forward to the challenge of guiding City through another campaign.
The Head Coach is encouraged by the progress made over the off-season and believes his squad is in a strong position heading into its opening fixture against Auckland FC.
“I’m really positive and happy where the group is,” he reflected.
City begins its 2026/27 campaign away to Auckland before returning to Melbourne for a Derby against Victory in Round 2. The Club’s first home fixture will follow on Saturday 31 October, when Sydney FC visits AAMI Park. Don’t miss our home opener, secure your tickets now!
