We are back again with another instalment of 'On The Bench,' as we get to know the coaches who are leading their teams out into Season 2022.
This week we get to know WNPLSA Senior Women's and new Adelaide City coach, Angelo Paul.
Why did you become a coach?
I started to grow a desire to coach when I was in year 12 and I was being coached by Joe Mullen at the time. It was the first exposure I had to a high-level coach and the way he was able to get the best out of our team both individually and as a collective was inspiring.
Initially, I was driven enticed by the thought of winning and of course when I first started out I thought I knew everything. However, as I went on my journey I quickly realised that I knew very little and what took me by surprise was how much I enjoy the journey you go on with a team and seeing individual players improve.
Who is your coaching idol; and why?
There might be some recency bias at play here but it would have to be Jurgen Klopp. I am a mad Liverpool fan and I won't forget the excitement me and my friends shared when he first joined the club.
He is a manager that perfectly matches the ethos of Liverpool. Aside from tactics and styles of play he has an unmatched passion that reflects that of the fans and the history of the club. A perfect fit.
What has been your biggest achievement(s) as a coach?
I think it would be that Adelaide City entrusted me to coach the Women's first team being only 25 years old at the time. It is a club with substantial history and I was both thankful and proud when I received the offer.
Best SA team to watch, past or present, that excites you as a coach.
Personally, the run that Adelaide United went on in 2016 was a joy to watch. After not winning their first eight games in the league, to then go on and win both the league and finals series was special. The highlight being the grand final in front of a packed Adelaide Oval.
What excites you most about the 2022 Season?
The journey I am on with this group of players and coaching staff. I look forward to the memories created come the end of the season and hopefully, we have some success along the way.
Name a player in your squad under the age of 23 who we should look out for in 2022 and why?
Katie Bowler has come to us from the NTC program. Keep an eye out for her.
Which new transfer are you most excited to be working with and why?
It's difficult to not be excited to see Dylan Holmes back in Adelaide City colours. Here is someone that has represented our national team. She currently has an injury that she is dealing with at the moment but once she is back on the track it will be a huge boost for us.
And finally....Besides finishing as high in the table as possible, what are your goals for the season ahead?
Whilst our goals are to win as many trophies as we possibly can this season, we are also laying the foundations of very new and young team. We have witnessed a recent period of domination by City in this league which we want to replicate in years to come with this new crop.