Sydney FC have announced that they will part ways with head coach Steve Corica immediately.
Corica will depart the club after 19 years of service as both a player and manager. Corica played 139 matches for Sydney FC and was in charge of the team for 182 games as coach.
Corica was a foundation member of the club in the A-league’s first season in 2005 amassed 13 trophies for the Sky Blues during his 19 years at the club as both a player and coach. This included five A-League titles and two Australia Cups.
Corica took over from now-Socceroos coach Graham Arnold in 2018 as manager and led Sydney FC to back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020. However, after losing to rivals Melbourne City 2-0 and falling to last on A-League table with an 0-3 record, the Sydney FC board and Corica mutually agreed to move in a different direction.
In a statement, Sydney FC Chair Scott Barlow said: “Steve is a legend of our club and has made an incredible contribution as both a player and a coach.
“He is a true gentleman who has always put Sydney FC first.”
Corica also shared his thoughts in the statement.
“It is very difficult to depart Sydney FC after being here for such a long time but I leave with unbelievable memories,” he said.
“I would like to thank all my amazing staff and players as well as the Sydney FC members and fans.
“I could never have imagined that when I set foot into this brand new club in 2005, I would go on to spend the next 19 years of my life here.
“I will always look back on my time with Sydney FC with incredible fondness.”
Assistant coach David Zdrillic has been named as interim coach.