Tribulietx tip for Phoenix
He played under Tribulietx for almost a decade and has spent the past two seasons beside him as assistant coach at the Sandringham club. Vicelich also had a string of coaches in his decorated career — including seven seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie — and said Tribulietx compares favourably with anyone.
“He’s up there with all of them,” said Vicelich. “He’s one of the best coaches I have ever had.”
Tribulietx, 44, would be an astute choice. He brings a European mentality, but knows the football scene in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific inside out, having spent more than a decade here.
Unless the likes of Graham Arnold or Ange Postecoglou decide they want to live in Wellington, Tribulietx appears the best qualified contender across Australasia. He’s a safe choice, but also the most likely to succeed.
Europe-based candidates may materialise but they bring inherent risks, as many “names” from the northern hemisphere have struggled with the challenges of the A-League.
Tribulietx also has a vast network of contacts throughout Europe.
The Spaniard also has a legendary work ethic. Former colleagues at Auckland City still marvel about his preparations for the 2009 Club World Cup, as he studied United Arab Emirates champions Al-Ahli. Tribulietx woke at 3am every Sunday for more than two months to watch live streams of their games. It paid off. Tribulietx, and Auckland City, knew every Al-Ahli player inside out and won 2-0, eventually finishing fifth.
The Miracle in Morocco — where Auckland City trumped the champions of Africa (ES Setif) and North America (Cruz Azul) and took Argentinian giants San Lorenzo to extra time — was a remarkable high but Tribulietx has kept progressing.
In last year’s Club World Cup, his team pushed J-League champions Kashima Antlers to the limit, then at the Nike Lunar Cup in January, both the South Korean champions and an all-star Hong Kong XI were beaten.
“There are difficulties at this level as players are working nine to five and they miss trainings for different reasons that wouldn’t happen in a professional environment,” said Vicelich. “The demands are different, so to have the ability to play an attractive style of football and win games as well . . . he’s accomplished all that.”
Tribulietx appeals as a sensible long-term choice. He’s settled here and understands the challenges of football in this country. He has refined Auckland City’s style of play over a long period of time, yet is flexible enough to take a horses for courses approach, and has continually reinvigorated his squad.
His teams have common, enviable traits: strong defensively, good in possession and they invariably find a way to win.
And Tribulietx’s touch would also help the development side of the capital club. Young players such as Clayton Lewis and Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi have thrived under his tutelage.
Perhaps the most important point is the simplest — Tribulietx seems born to coach. He has the Midas touch, the innate ability to get the best out of individuals and a collective. Sure, it would be a step up, though Auckland City has long been professional in everything but resources, with their players training five to six times a week, even though many hold down jobs.