37 Facts About David Zdrilic

David Allen Zdrilic is an Australian association football coach and former player, who is currently the head coach of A-League Men club Perth Glory.

David Zdrilic was a member of the Australia national beach soccer team, the Beach Socceroos, having captained the side.

David Zdrilic previously played for Sydney FC in the A-League after forging a professional career in Switzerland, Germany, England and Scotland.

David Zdrilic has hosted games from the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, various international cup competitions and the football entertainment show Thursday FC on SBS2.

David Zdrilic attended Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield and St Patrick's College, Sutherland during his time as a teenage schoolboy he featured prominently in all teams including the A Grade squad.

David Zdrilic had the opportunity as a child to pursue a tennis career, receiving coaching and playing in tournaments, but chose football instead.

David Zdrilic made an immediate impact shortly after joining the club, scoring four goals in four games in a preseason cup competition.

David Zdrilic continued his scoring ways in the NSL to win the Golden Boot for that season with 21 goals, United topping the table before losing the grand final to Brisbane.

David Zdrilic was injured as a result of a bad tackle in the final minutes of Australia's game against Bulgaria and he returned to Ulm injured.

David Zdrilic remained with the side for the 2000 OFC Nations Cup, adding to his goal tally twice against Cook Islands.

In contrast to club fortunes, David Zdrilic was achieving greater success at international level throughout this time.

David Zdrilic retained his place in the squad for the Oceania World Cup qualifiers.

David Zdrilic remained in the team for the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, taking part in the Socceroos memorable victories over Mexico and Brazil.

David Zdrilic went on to score eight goals in all competitions, including the winner in a memorable win over Celtic, which ended Celtic's unbeaten home run of 78 games.

David Zdrilic was selected for a number of friendly matches and rejoined the squad in May for the 2004 OFC Nations Cup, which doubled as qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

David Zdrilic's stay at Trier was short-lived, and returned to Australia with the launch of the A-League in 2005 to be part of the inaugural Sydney FC squad, signing a three-year deal.

David Zdrilic took part in 19 of Sydney's matches in their first season, mostly as a substitute, scoring once.

In 2009, David Zdrilic was approached by former teammate Ante Milicic to sign with his first professional club Sydney United, who play in the NSW Premier League.

David Zdrilic finished the season with eight goals and announced his decision to retire after 15 years as a professional footballer.

David Zdrilic spent one season in charge of the club before announcing his retirement as a player.

David Zdrilic was succeeded at the club by Jean-Paul de Marigny, returning for his second stint in charge.

Whilst away from the dugout, David Zdrilic undertook a succession of coaching study tours in Europe, spending time at clubs such Bayern Munich, TSG Hoffenheim, Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb.

In 2015, David Zdrilic returned to the coaching ranks after being approached by Sydney FC to become the assistant coach of both the NSW NPL2 first team, NYL team and the under-20 side.

In January 2020, David Zdrilic accepted an offer from Chicago Fire to become the assistant coach, where was credited with reforming the team's approach into a more pressing-oriented style.

David Zdrilic was linked with a move to then-English Premier League club Sheffield United, but ultimately stayed with Chicago.

In mid-2021, David Zdrilic returned to Europe after accepting an offer to reunite with Alexander Blessin - who he coached under at RB Leipzig - to become the assistant coach at Belgian side Oostende.

In June 2024, David Zdrilic was announced as the new head coach of A-League club Perth Glory.

David Zdrilic took on a role as Player Relations Officer for Professional Footballers Australia.

David Zdrilic continued to work in the media and co-hosted the now-discontinued World Football News on One, and was a core part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup coverage on SBS, appearing regularly as an analyst.

David Zdrilic then joined SBS exclusively, which sees him continuing his analytical role, as well as co-hosting the football entertainment show Thursday FC.

David Zdrilic soon moved into the hosting role full-time and began presenting the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and International Cup Competitions.

David Zdrilic then hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil which won a Logie for Most Outstanding Sports Coverage.

David Zdrilic was the host of SBS's 4-year coverage of the A-League between 2014 and 2017.

In 2018, David Zdrilic was again a key figure in SBS's coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia where he presented live from matches around the country as well as expert analysis alongside Craig Foster and Lucy Zelic from SBS's Moscow studio.

Since retiring, David Zdrilic is a keen advocate for Beach Soccer and is a member of the Beach Socceroos.

David Zdrilic finished the tournament with 4 goals in 4 games.

David Zdrilic is an Ambassador for one of the country's biggest International Tournaments, the Australia Beach Soccer Cup, played annually in Wollongong.