Derbies in Sydney
Fire from the first whistle: against Western Sydney Wanderers, we set the tone early in front of 7,600 fans, striking after just two minutes to make it 1–0. We pushed, we pressed, we had chances to kill the game, but the second goal never came. With 10 minutes left, the Wanderers punished us. Final score, 1–1. A derby that slipped through our fingers.
There was no time to dwell. Five days later, Asia called. In the Asian Champions League Two, we faced CAHN FC from Hanoi in round four of the group stage. It was a battle, fought inch by inch, but a gritty 2–1 home win lifted us into the top half of the table.
Afterwards, straight back into the Sydney spotlight. Away at Sydney FC, 11,000 spectators watched a fast, open, high-quality clash. For 75 minutes, anything felt possible. Then came the late blow: two goals in the final 15 minutes. Game over.
Frustrated, yes. But focused. The international break arrived with one clear purpose – learn fast, reset hard, come back stronger.
Aotearoa
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Alexandra/Clyde, Wanaka, Queenstown, Dunedin, Oamaru, Hanmer Springs, Saint Arnaud, Collingwood, Nelson, Matamata, Mangawhai, Kerikeri, Cape Reinga, Auckland.
For four weeks in January 2025, I travelled across Aotearoa (New Zealand) with my family, taking in the breathtaking nature of this truly magical country. In every place we visited, we met locals who were warm, open and incredibly helpful.
Wellington wasn’t part of that journey. But New Zealand’s capital found its way back to me later in the year. At the end of November 2025, football brought me there with Macarthur FC and the A-League.
A precise analysis during the international break, combined with excellent preparation for Wellington Phoenix, paid off. We celebrated a huge 1–0 away win. The Bulls showed their horns at exactly the right moment.
What stayed with me wasn’t just the intensity of the performance on the pitch, but what happened the night before. In the hotel, the players sang together; loud, joyful, united. I was deeply moved when the whole team sang ‘Happy Birthday Bruno’ straight from the heart.
The delicious cheesecake that followed was the perfect punchline to a special evening.
Champions League Football in the Chinese Winter
After a rather grinding overnight flight from Sydney to Beijing, we landed 12 hours later, straight into the Chinese winter. Back home, Sydney had been basking in summer temperatures of 30–35°C for days. The sudden drop of more than 30 degrees in such a short time was a real shock to the body.
Tuesday afternoon brought a light training session on a half-frozen pitch. The focus was clear: acclimatisation over intensity. Despite the icy conditions, the players trained with smiles on their faces.
On Wednesday, we held our final session at the iconic Workers’ Stadium, located in Beijing’s vibrant Sanlitun district; a newly and completely renovated arena with a capacity of 60,000. The pitch showed the scars of a long season and harsh winter weather, sandy underfoot but providing the stage for a session intense in rhythm, sharp in focus, and full of energy. The players and staff were highly motivated, and the sheer grandeur of the stadium certainly played its part.
A vital part of this journey was my childhood friend, Rudi Lukacek, who flew in especially from Hong Kong. Fluent in Mandarin and drawing on nearly two decades of experience in China, Rudi was invaluable. His role extended far beyond the touchline. Throughout our four days in Beijing, he provided crucial support to me, the staff, and the players of Macarthur FC. Rudi bridged Western and Chinese cultures with ease, assisting with everything from high-level local expertise to on-the-ground Mandarin communication. He kept us informed with the latest news from Chinese media before and after the match, helping to navigate the local context and create lasting connections. His immense passion for football, unwavering support, and deep professional insights were a constant source of inspiration, and a significant asset to our campaign. He was there to witness, and contribute to, our crucial moment.
In front of 21,000 spectators, we won our final group match 2–1, finishing top of the group with 13 points and with a commanding five-point lead over the runners-up.
The Round of 16 draw takes place on 30 December 2025. In February 2026, we will face either Ratchaburi FC or Bangkok United from Thailand, or the Pohang Steelers of South Korea.
Winter football. Big stages. Bigger ambitions.
The Great Chinese Wall and the Road Back Home
On 12 December, we visited the Great Wall of China northwest of Beijing. With temperatures dropping to –7°C, the shared excursion became even more memorable. We had great fun and gained powerful insights into Chinese history and the immense significance of the Ming Dynasty section of the Wall we explored.
The journey back to Sydney was anything but easy. A sudden winter storm brought snowfall on departure day, paralysing traffic and turning the trip to the airport into a real challenge. But we made it.
In the end, we were back in Sydney just hours after our victory in Beijing; exhausted, relieved, and proud.
Now, the focus shifts fully to the A-League until February 2026.
Next match: At home against Brisbane Roar.
Hate Will Not Win
As I write this blog, my thoughts continue to be with everyone affected by the horrific events that took place on Bondi Beach, at a time when innocent people were coming together to celebrate. The news has understandably shook the world. Being here, I am witnessing up close the remarkable Australian mentality of absolute unity in matters of life and death. Everyone, truly the entire nation, is pulling together and stands united. A perfect example of why hate will never win.