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'Completely confident': New Auckland FC boss unfazed by champions mantle
Henry Lee •  October 8th, 2026 1:53 pm
Pedro Moreira | Photo: Photosport
Portuguese Auckland FC head coach Pedro Moreira knows his side will have a "target" on their back while attempting a third trophy in as many years in the 2026/27 A-League Men's season.
The Auckland-based franchise emerged victorious in last year's A-League Men's final against Sydney FC at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, thanks to local hero Cameron Howieson, whose famous left-footed volley in the second half clinched New Zealand's first A-League championship.
Moreira, 51, joined Auckland FC in July from Uzbekistan with Pakhtakor FC, following spells in Portugal with S.C.U. Torreense and Casa Pia A.C.
The experienced youth-team coach and assistant joined the A-League Champions after Steve Corica's sudden departure to Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan with one year left on his contract.
Corica laid the foundation of Auckland FC's title-contending start to life as a football club in New Zealand, alongside former All Whites head coach Danny Hay and lead analyst Doug Kors, who followed Corica to Japan.
Moreira announced his own analyst to lead the behind-the-scenes tactical work, Rafael Moreira (no relation), while OFC Pro League head coach Luke Casserly has been promoted to the lead assistant role.
Auckland FC celebrate with The Port | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
In other coaching staff changes, Nathan Sherlock has become the club's head of performance, and Danny Milosevic replaces Jonathan Gould as goalkeeping coach.
But the former AS Roma assistant coach explained to Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy that he's well aware of the challenge.
"That's football life as we understand and of course we also know what the life of the champions is. I have had opportunity to win titles in the past and I know what is that kind of feeling especially in the season after because we became a target for everyone.
"The way that they play against us, the way that they look at us as the "big team" in these kinds of situations.
"There are a few changes on the team; there are a few players that come out, there are new players that came in, and we must work to have a chance to achieve the quality and the level that the team achieved in the last seasons.
The new Auckland FC head coach assures fans that the expectation of success won't burden the team, and they will look to start the season on the front foot.
"I can share with you easily; it's not a problem for everyone because it's on the starts. They started very well both seasons in the two years and probably were one of the main reasons that they were fighting for something during the season. So we will try to do it also during this year.
Auckland FC's defensive strengths have been the foundation of their early success as a club, something that Moreira is keen to continue.
"My main idea is really that you can win games with the attack, but you must win championships with the defence," the Auckland FC head coach said.
"Because if you have clean sheets, you have one point guarantee all the games. It is an important idea that we can put in. We are working, and we can manage the way that we attack and the way we defend.
"We must be balanced all the time, and that's one of the main points that we could create, even with the characteristics of the A-League, we must understand what kind of football we are playing now.
"I'm completely confident and happy with the way that they are working, and I'm really pleased to work with these players; they have a lot of ambition; they show that every day, the way that they are on the pitch, the relationships that they create off the field.
"I'm very pleased to be here. Now it's our time to make our supporters proud, it's very important to start well this season."
Listen to the full interview below:
