Melbourne City has re-signed its A-League title-winning coach Aurelio Vidmar on a new two-year deal, with the club citing his championship success and youth development.
Vidmar Commits to City for Two More Seasons
Aurelio Vidmar still has “a lot to achieve” with Melbourne City after signing a new two-year coaching deal with the A-League heavyweights. City on Tuesday confirmed the retention of former Socceroo Vidmar, who has coached the club since November 2023.
The highlight of Vidmar’s reign has been the 2025 A-League title, with his stint also including City’s effort to reach the knockout stages of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite competition. City’s A-League championship defence ended last month in the first week of the finals series with a penalty-shootout loss to eventual champions Auckland FC.
“There’s still a lot we want to achieve, and I’m excited to continue that journey with everyone at the club,” Vidmar said. “We’ve achieved some important milestones over the past few seasons. Just as importantly, we’ve continued to provide opportunities for young players to develop and progress to the highest level, while also seeing so many of our players earn national team selection across multiple age groups.”
City director of football Michael Petrillo said 59-year-old Vidmar had played a “key role” in the “evolution” of the club’s football program. “Aurelio has done an excellent job leading the team through a period that has included championship success domestically, very strong performances in Asia and importantly, the continued development of young talent,” Petrillo said. “Winning a Championship, reaching the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time in club history and extending our record run of finals series appearances (to 12) are significant achievements that reflect the consistency he has brought to the role. What has impressed us most is his ability to maintain high standards while balancing the demands of competing across multiple competitions and continuing to develop the next generation of talent. We believe there is a strong foundation in place, and we’re excited about what can be achieved under Aurelio’s leadership over the next two seasons.”
City chief executive Brad Rowse said Vidmar was an “outstanding leader”. “He has helped create an environment where people can thrive, where young players are given genuine opportunities and where the team continues to compete at a high level,” Rowse said. “Aurelio understands who we are as a club, where we want to go and what it takes to represent Melbourne City.”
