Here's 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 State League One and Eastern United coach, Gabriel Markaj.
Why did you become a coach?
I became a coach because I wasn't good enough as a player but still wanted to be involved in the sport. For my family and friends it was very clear from early on that I could pop perhaps made it a career out of coaching.
Who is your coaching idol; and why?
Perhaps I don't have an idol but I do have people that inspired me during my journey. Pep Guardiola gave us all the idea of how football should be played, Marcelo Bielsa gave us the work rate that you need to do as a coach to achieve your goals, Josè Mourinho showed that through an organised process (periodisation) you can become extremely successful. Jurgen Klopp showed us how important is players management. Perhaps, someone that I am looking so close to is Ange Postecoglou and Antonio Conte that are able to establish a clear identity in a few weeks as well as win football matches, something that I find extremely attractive and wonder every day how they do it.
What has been your biggest achievement(s) as a coach?
I think my biggest achievement as a coach is yet to come but what I am proud of it is the fact that in every team that I have coached I was able to bring a clear identity of play to every team that I have coached.
Another achievement, which, I am proud of was being appointed Head Coach at an NPL club at the age of 20 and coaching senior football in 3 different states in Australia (Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia).
Best SA team to watch, past or present, that excites you as a coach.
We can't deny the success that some teams had in the past like Campbelltown City and Adelaide City under Joe Mullen and Damian Mori but with new young coaches, the best is yet to arrive. Nowadays, us coaches have so many tools at our disposal that is nearly impossible not to create great teams if given time.
I think between Paul Pezos and Michael Matricciani it will be a game of chess. I expect Adelaide City and Campbelltown City to go toe to toe with each other and display some amazing structured football.
What excites you most about the 2022 Season?
I like the fact that the media exposure is increasing in all leagues and that will bring more excitement around the community.
Name a player in your squad under the age of 23 who we should look out for in 2022 and why?
We have so many young players in our squad but the best of them all must be David Preka class 2004, he is so complete as a footballer (right and left foot, goals, assists, third man runs, work rate ect..), he has already caught the eye of Melbourne City youth team and I expect him to be the rising star of our league.
Which new transfer are you most excited to be working with and why?
Without a doubt, it will be Thanasi Lesi. His characteristics suit my game model and I think we complement each other well.
And finally....Besides finishing as high in the table as possible, what are your goals for the season ahead?
We want David Preka to be amongst the best players in the league, as well as develop at least 3 players under the age of 18 to play regular First Team Football.