Garcia calls for patience with Glory rebuild
In what was a difficult first year as Head Coach of Perth Glory for the 2020/21 season, Richard Garcia has asked for fans to be patient and have faith with the club’s rebuild for next season.
Recently, I had the honour and privilege of interviewing Garcia ahead of pre season commencing on July 19, for the 2021/22 season.
So Richie, a massive thank you for doing this interview with me. Firstly, how are preparations for next season coming along?
Things are going well. We’re still trying to add to the playing squad and along with that, we’re planning for the season ahead.
What can we as supporters expect next season in terms of the squad? Will we still see the likes of young players like Daniel Stynes, Josh Rawlins and Luke Bodnar having a larger role?
All the young players did well last season and this season is really about them improving again and becoming established players who are consistent in their performances.
Continuing with the young players, how impressed were you with them this season, as a lot of fans would agree that they really stepped up this season and for many they were also the highlights of last season.
Last season was the start of our rebuild of the group and those young players were a part of that. They did well last season and this season they will have the opportunity to repeat that.
The Asian Champions League was where we really got to see the young players in action for the first time, and not only that, it was definitely a big occasion, considering it was the first time Glory fans got to see you leading the boys, this time as Coach for the first time. How did you find your time in Qatar?
It was good but difficult for the players and staff a like. We were not allowed outside the hotel unless it was to play and train for three weeks, so it was challenging.
Last season was definitely a tough experience. I can imagine that you came into a difficult situation as a first year coach with factors like COVID, having to rely on young players and a condensed fixture list making it difficult to perform at a high level on a consistent basis. How would you sum it up overall?
COVID was the cause of the constant challenges we faced and they (the players) didn’t really let up all season. The group faced more challenges than the rest of the league and we were still bringing in players mid way through in what was a four and a half month season. We definitely showed some very good signs throughout the season and we became more consistent as the season wore on. The group really found their feet toward the back end and were very disappointed in the last week, when we played the last 3 games and were only one win off finals and a couple wins off fourth spot.
Jonathan Aspropotamitis recently said in an article with the Greek Herald that the club’s goal for next season is pushing for a spot in the Top 4, as well as making a home final. Would you agree?
We still need to get the group together in pre season and set our targets. It’s about the process of improving the group and improving as a team and as a club everyday. This will help us achieve the targets we set ourselves.
Onto a slightly different topic, your playing career. Playing for clubs in England like West Ham and Hull City, as well as playing with big players such as Michael Carrick, must’ve been huge for you. How did you find that whole experience?
I don’t really think about it too much to be honest. It was my playing career and I worked hard at it like I do at everything. I enjoyed it very much and learnt a lot, this has also helped going into coaching.
Particularly when you were playing for Hull, you were able to represent Australia. A huge honour I can imagine, how did you find it?
It was a huge honour to represent Australia, especially at the World Cup. It’s a fantastic feeling knowing that you are representing the nation.
You made the return to the A-League in the later end of your career and then played for a few clubs including Sydney FC and finally the best club in Australia in us. What were some of your favourite moments when playing back home?
After leaving WA at 15 years old and spending 16 years in England, it was massive for me to come back and play for Perth in front of friends and family.
Making the transition from player to coach would’ve been an experience in itself. You’ve learned under managers such as Kenny Lowe and Tony Popovic. How different or similar were the two coaches?
Both are very different in many ways and I have learnt from both, and have also learnt a lot from coaches I played under in my career.
What advice would you have for people who are wanting to go into coaching, whether it is just for their local club or if they have ambitions of doing it in the A-League?
You are always learning as a person, player, coach. When you think you have nothing to learn you don’t improve and you go backwards
Just finally before I get on to some questions asked by some fans, a lot of the younger fans of the Glory probably found this season to be somewhat disappointing and maybe not as successful as we could’ve been, as people were without a doubt crushed to not make the finals. If you could give a message to the younger fans for next season perhaps, what would you say?
It might be hard for most fans to understand the direction the club is heading and it will take patience. We are still rebuilding the squad and the team to where we want it. When you see the younger guys getting chances it’s fantastic but it takes time for those guys to mature into experienced A League players.
We want to try and build a squad of players that will be consistent and will grow together into a winning team for a sustained period and not just for one season. It’s an exciting project that we still have many hurdles to overcome to get there but we are confident that we have shown some of the talent that will lead in future years.
Alex asks what was it like making the step up to coach the first team?
It was very eye opening, that a lot of your focus has to be on other things than the football.
Brayden has asked which young player/players at Perth do you think will have a breakout season, next season?
It’s hard to say. We have a good squad of young players who now see a pathway at the club and it sometimes comes down to form and opportunities.
Matt Sage couldn’t resist asking a question about himself and it’s a pretty big one, what is your fondest memory of working with him?
His big smile every morning.
Oliver has asked a Euro 2020 themed question, is football coming home?
It might well be. This might be their best opportunity for some time and especially when it is held at home.
Finally, I understand you may or may not be able to answer this question, but will we see Chris Ikonomidis playing for Glory next season?
We are trying everything in our power to try and keep Chris at the club within our limits. Chris made a real impact in when returning from injury last season and would really add some firepower to the squad for next season.
A huge thank you to Richard Garcia and the Perth Glory Football Club for allowing me to have this opportunity!
