Tribulietx inks deal with Auckland City
Ramon Tribulietx - the manager largely responsible for Auckland City Football Club’s rapid success - has re-signed.
The club said Ramon had inked a one-year deal that would result in him taking control of yet another FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Since taking over in 2010, Tribulietx has guided Auckland City to seven Oceania Football Confederation Champions League titles, two New Zealand titles, five domestic minor premierships, as well as a third place finish at the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup.
The successful coach - a native of Spain - was off contract shortly after Auckland City won their seventh OFC Champions League title last month.
Auckland City FC chairman Ivan Vuksich said the club was ‘‘delighted’’ that Tribulietx had committed again ahead of what would be a tough season - including the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
‘‘He’s one of the best coaches in the country,’’ Vuksich said.
‘‘With Abu Dhabi to look for- ward to this year, it’s great that Ramon is back to try and help us make an impact in the UAE.’’
After seven years with City, it was rumoured that Tribulietx was a candidate to take over the vacant Wellington Phoenix coaching position left by Ernie Merrick when he left halfway through this season.
However, when the Phoenix announced Darije Kalezic as the new manager two weeks ago, that all but prolonged Tribulietx’s potential A-League career - something many believe he is destined for.
Regardless of that decision, Tribulietx said Auckland City was the right club for him and he wanted to keep enjoying a culture that he helped create.
‘‘I’m very happy to have finalised a return,’’ Tribulietx said.
‘‘At the moment, Auckland are the best fit for me. I love my job at the club... Auckland City have been great in believing in me and what I do.’’
As for the challenge, Tribulietx still thinks there is more to be done at City and that in itself is motivation to stick around.
‘‘Seven years in a row we have been in a good position domestically or internationally so every year there’s more people trying to knock you down,’’ he said. ‘‘The season ahead of us looks like it will be another intense and challenging one.’’
‘‘He's one of the best coaches in the country’’