Vidovic adamant his sides ambitions won’t waver in lockdown

Sydney United 58 FC head coach Tomi Vidovic knows that regardless of the length in which we remain in lockdown, won’t change the aims of his high flying side.

When you’re in charge of a club with the stature and history of Sydney United 58 FC, you can excuse one if the weight of the badge were too much.

For Vidovic however, managing the club he grew up supporting is seen in no way a pressure, but rather a privilege.

“Sydney United was the first club my dad took me to support as a kid and the only club I support to this day.

“When people ask who my favourite team in the EPL, Serie A or La Liga is my answer is Sydney United.

“I am very grateful and honoured to coach at this great club.”

And during his tenures over the years it’s shown. As an assistant, Vidovic was integral in 2016 as the club took home the Premiership, Waratah Cup and NPL National Championship.

In the year that followed, where Vidovic stepped up in an interim role he guided the squad to the FFA round of 16.

After gaining further experience with the Western Sydney Wanderers  in the A-League, Vidovic returned to his beloved club this season where his side currently sit in second place, hot on the heels of Blacktown City FC.

“It’s been a largely positive season. With five games left to play we are still challenging for both the premiership and championship.

“The coaching staff, players, fans and community’s  expectation is to be challenging for titles so to be in contention this year is great.

“Our performances have been generally consistent and we’ve played a brand of football our supporters have enjoyed watching. A few matches could have gone differently but that’s football.”

A tough loss away to leaders Blacktown just weeks before lockdown allowed their rivals to go four points clear. In a match that saw Sydney United control the play for large periods and yet walk away empty handed was proof as to just how difficult it can be in this competition.

A factor that Vidovic says is a credit to the quality of the league.

“This is a very tough competition.

“The pedigree is high in the coaching ranks, so many of the coaches have great credentials both as players and coaches.  Every week presents different challenges tactically which I enjoy.”

It’s because of this that Vidovic believes that his side need to remain on the ball and ready to perform once the season starts although he was quick to praise his side and their professionalism throughout lockdown.

“From a physical point of view the players have been given programs to complete.

“We understand the difficulty with all the uncertainty and restrictions in certain LGA’s. However, the players have been extremely professional throughout doing the best they can. More importantly myself and my coaching staff have been in touch with players to ensure they are mentally coping with the situation.

“We’re a big family at Sydney United. From the players to fans that support us each week, we have been there for each other and will continue to do so, these are the foundations the club was built on.

“We’re hopeful of a return as we certainly feel like there is unfinished business if we do we’re confident in challenging for every trophy on offer.”

-By Joseph Esposito