April 28, 2025 • 11 mins
Auckland FC have become the first Kiwi side to win the A-League Premier's Plate.
They've also guaranteed themselves a spot in the semi-finals.
Head coach Steve Corica spoke to Jason Pine on Sportstalk.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Darcy Waldergrave
from News Talk zed B. The right Call is your
call on eight eighty Sports Talk Call on your home
of Sports News Talk sed B.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Bring out the pipe, Linda Sumebrations figures are a League Premiers. Yeah,
you might have got a little bit of that, and
that we we can probably play a little bit of it. Ants,
can we maybe we wait for a bit later in
the show. There you go, George, there you go. Actually
that was almost apt and behind that better commentary. All right,
(00:46):
here we go, bring out the pipe and Lenda Sumebrations
figures are a League premiers. Yeah, I mind it. I
can not minded foot Wolf song pint. It just goes
with the commentary, so well it does, all right, Thanks George,
and I hope that little snippet scratched your itch tonight. Yeah,
what a water morning for Liverpool fans. Auckland FC, meantime,
(01:09):
have celebrated securing the A League Premier's plate with a
one nil win over Perth Glory at go Media Stadium
last night that already claimed the Premier's plate the night
before on Saturday night, with Melbourne City not able to
be ATel eight. That meant that Auckland FC could not
be caught. They knew even before they kicked off yesterday
that they would be claiming and lifting the Premier's Plate
(01:31):
at the conclusion of the game. It was pretty damp
there at go media last night, but funnily enough the
rain kind of cleared right at the end and allowed
the plate to be presented and then paraded in front
of the home fans. Head coach Steve Coricker is with
a terrific night, Steve last night. How were the celebrations afterwards?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
As expected by any you know, an amazing season. Very
damp night, like you said, but the crowd was buzzing
and so were the boys and the staff afterwards celebrating,
So yeah.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
This was a lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Obviously we went to the Black Knights Club with all
the families and then after that the players went off
and the staff went off.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
And celebrated separately. And you know, it's good.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
It's good to see the boys celebrate what is such
a special special victory really for us in the Premiership,
for the Premiership plate.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
When you wake up this morning and you know, reflected
on last night and I guess on the season up
till now. I mean, how deep is your sense of
satisfaction as to what you've managed to achieve so far
this season.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
I haven't had too much time to think about it.
I think probably after the season ends. I think I
just want everything to keep moving along nicely because we've
still got a little bit to do yet, one more
game to go and then obviously main focus is on
the finals and trying to get to the final first.
But it has been amazing, you know, it's gone better
than probably everyone has expected. A lot of people didn't
(03:03):
think we'd be here. We've proved them wrong. You know,
we've proved to self that we are a very good
team and and we can go all the way and
that's to the final and hopefully winning it.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
How does this one compare to the Premier's Plate you
won as a player at Sydney f C and then
the Premier Is plate you won as coach at Sydney FC.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
It's definitely a different feeling, obviously, starting a club from fresh.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
Bringing the boys in.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
You know, at Sydney the players were there when I
when I was there, you know, I took over as
head coach. We had a lot of success as well,
and and don't get me wrong, that was is amazing
feeling to win a trophy. It's not easy. I've said
that before, so the boys should be really proud, but
this is something different. You know, to work with Terry
(03:51):
mcflynn and Doug Cars setting up the team is really challenging.
But eegally, now obviously it has paid off. And yeah,
obviously very proud of everyone.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
How was how was the atmosphere before the game yesterday?
Ended up there? Obviously Melbourne City had drawn the previous night,
so you knew that you were getting the plate regardless.
Did you find it in any way challenging to get
the boys focused or what was it like before the game?
Speaker 4 (04:18):
Now?
Speaker 3 (04:19):
It was quite easy actually, I think the pressure was
off the boys. You could probably see when they went
into the game. You know, that was probably one of
our best games we've played all season. It could have
been a lot more of the score line, but other
than Ali say or making it a few great saves.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
But yeah, just there's a real buzz around.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
You know. I had it last the night before when
I found out City had drawn. You know, it took
me two hours to get to sleep after that, so,
you know, and that carried on the next day, and
that's what the players were feeling, you know, So the
feeling of excitement and obviously can't wait to lift that
played up, which we did after the game in front
(04:58):
of our amazing fans.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Do you think Marley Franz while was trying to score
from that.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Corner, Well, he was able for the back post because
that's what we were we were working on, So he
definitely hit the back posts. Yeah, No, it's good for him,
you know, obviously it's his first goal. You put the
ball in the right areas and you get rewarded sometimes,
and you know, he obviously had a couple other shots
set up, one for Max Matter that got obviously I
(05:22):
think he might have hit Oi in the head or
whatever it was. But yeah, he played really well Marley,
and I'm really happy for him to get his first
goal in such an important game.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
All Right, So let's look ahead. One more regular season
game away at Western United this coming weekend, then a
weekend off, and then the home and away Seemis against
whoever it is. First of all, this week, Steve any
temptation at all to rest a couple of guys.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
No, none at all, really, I look at it if
I rest some players, they won't play for three weeks
and that's probably not what we want right now. They'll
get a little break in that week off that we
have next week before the away semi final, so we'll.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Go with whatever available of the boys.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
There's a couple of boys that have picked up little
injuries through the game, but I don't think they're not
too much. I think they're probably the only one who
is for Libe whether he'll be back for the game,
and then we've got to make a decision around that.
But yeah, it would be as normal. We want to
continue doing what we've been doing. We want to win
(06:27):
a game away from home. We want to make a
fifteen games unbeaten. So there's still plenty to do for us.
You know, we can It would be nice to reach
fifty goals as well, if we could get there. He's
still got three to go so in one game as
might be difficult, but we'll see how we go.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
And then beyond that, it's a little bit uncertain of
because you don't know who your opponent is going to
be in the semi final until you've got You get
the week off, you get to watch the two knockout games.
How do you go about structuring the back end of
the season, Steve, You know there are things are there
things you can do regardless of who your opponent's going
to be, for example, in the first week that you
have before those knockout games.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Yeah, you know, we concentrate on ourselves first and foremost.
You know the opponent come will come later. And you
know we've played most well. We've played all these teams
at least twice, and Western if it would be Western.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
United, we've played them.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
There will be a third time by the time we
even play them in the semis, if that's the case.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
So I think we.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Know you know by now, you know the teams, you
know what their strengths are, you know what their weaknesses are.
It's more about our focus going into the games. You know,
you've got two games to get to a final. We
don't have to win it in the first one, but
you know, we definitely don't want to lose it either
in the first game. So you know, we've been very
consistent away from home and at home, so you know,
(07:46):
we're fairly confident going into the game of whoever we play.
I think it's going to be an exciting time anyway,
because next next week's you know, there's about three teams
that can finish seconds, so and it all pans out,
you know, on in the table, the top six, so
there's a little bit to do from some teams. So
there's going to be an exciting win next week to
see how that all goes.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I'm not sure whether whether you think about Sydney FC
anymore or not, but I'm sure you know the equation.
They've got to avoid defeats against They've got to avoid
defeat against Melbourne City to sneak in above Adelaide United.
Do you still hope SIDNEYFC make the six?
Speaker 4 (08:23):
Yeah, listen, that's a tough one obviously.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
To quote. Yet I'm not going to quote.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
It's just going to be an interesting week, So let's
put it that way, because Melbourne.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
City need to win because they need to finish second
to finish in that Champions League spot as well.
Speaker 4 (08:41):
Sydney need at least a draw.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
So they're a very good team, Sydney and you know
there they are a very good footballing team and they
will be dangerous if they get to the to the finals.
Speaker 4 (08:54):
So sometimes it's better if they're.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Not in it.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
So and there's more pressure on me obviously when I
come up against my old clubs. So but you know,
I'm pretty sure you know, they they could get a
point at least Melbourne City, if not win the game.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
So we'll see when that happens.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
It's very exciting that it's come down to the last
weekend that you know, apart from you guys finishing top
that positions below you too through seven are yet to
be decided, which I guess is the hallmark of any
good competition. I know this is out of your hands
and maybe jumping ahead a bit too much, but if
you were to make the Grand Final, would you like
to play it at go Media Stadium?
Speaker 3 (09:30):
Yes, I would. You know, we've played all their games there.
The boys are used to it. You know, you go
to another stadium, it's not like home. It's a little bit,
you know, if we go to Teach a bigger stadium.
But for us, my point of view is if we
go to go Media, we know it really well and
the boys, the fans, they love it there, and.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
We'll see what happens.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
You know, obviously that's sometimes out of our hands, but
you know, obviously my preference would be for that and.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Just finally, just back to the immediate aftermath of the
game Sat night. You're down on the grass, the players
are there, their families are out there. There are kids
and partners and all sorts of hangers on as well
down there. Did you actually get the chance to enjoy
that little moment while it was happening? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (10:21):
Probably.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
I didn't really get to see too much of the
port because I was doing interviews, but you know, they've
been really special to us, the port. Obviously the boys
went over there to celebrate with them. I missed sort
of that sort of little bit, but it was nice
to hold up the premiership plate with Heroki and the
team and all the staff behind us. You know, everyone's
(10:43):
put a lot into this season. Obviously, very rewarding for
all of us so far, and something special because there's
first ever trophy from New Zealand team as well, so
so obviously we're very proud about that.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Congratulations Steve, do you and the team everybody involved in
the club on ticking this box. All the best for.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
The next month, just Piney, thanks mate, No.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Thank you. Steve. Steve Coriic joining us on Sports Talk,
head coach of Auckland FC.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
For more from sports talk. Listen live to news talks.
It'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Sports Talk podcast with Darcy Waldergrave
from News Talk zed B. The right Call is your
call on eight eighty Sports Talk Call on your home
of Sports News Talk sed B.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Bring out the pipe, Linda Sumebrations figures are a League Premiers. Yeah,
you might have got a little bit of that, and
that we we can probably play a little bit of it. Ants,
can we maybe we wait for a bit later in
the show. There you go, George, there you go. Actually
that was almost apt and behind that better commentary. All right,
(00:46):
here we go, bring out the pipe and Lenda Sumebrations
figures are a League premiers. Yeah, I mind it. I
can not minded foot Wolf song pint. It just goes
with the commentary, so well it does, all right, Thanks George,
and I hope that little snippet scratched your itch tonight. Yeah,
what a water morning for Liverpool fans. Auckland FC, meantime,
(01:09):
have celebrated securing the A League Premier's plate with a
one nil win over Perth Glory at go Media Stadium
last night that already claimed the Premier's plate the night
before on Saturday night, with Melbourne City not able to
be ATel eight. That meant that Auckland FC could not
be caught. They knew even before they kicked off yesterday
that they would be claiming and lifting the Premier's Plate
(01:31):
at the conclusion of the game. It was pretty damp
there at go media last night, but funnily enough the
rain kind of cleared right at the end and allowed
the plate to be presented and then paraded in front
of the home fans. Head coach Steve Coricker is with
a terrific night, Steve last night. How were the celebrations afterwards?
Speaker 3 (01:51):
As expected by any you know, an amazing season. Very
damp night, like you said, but the crowd was buzzing
and so were the boys and the staff afterwards celebrating,
So yeah.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
This was a lot of fun.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Obviously we went to the Black Knights Club with all
the families and then after that the players went off
and the staff went off.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
And celebrated separately. And you know, it's good.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
It's good to see the boys celebrate what is such
a special special victory really for us in the Premiership,
for the Premiership plate.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
When you wake up this morning and you know, reflected
on last night and I guess on the season up
till now. I mean, how deep is your sense of
satisfaction as to what you've managed to achieve so far
this season.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
I haven't had too much time to think about it.
I think probably after the season ends. I think I
just want everything to keep moving along nicely because we've
still got a little bit to do yet, one more
game to go and then obviously main focus is on
the finals and trying to get to the final first.
But it has been amazing, you know, it's gone better
than probably everyone has expected. A lot of people didn't
(03:03):
think we'd be here. We've proved them wrong. You know,
we've proved to self that we are a very good
team and and we can go all the way and
that's to the final and hopefully winning it.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
How does this one compare to the Premier's Plate you
won as a player at Sydney f C and then
the Premier Is plate you won as coach at Sydney FC.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
It's definitely a different feeling, obviously, starting a club from fresh.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
Bringing the boys in.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
You know, at Sydney the players were there when I
when I was there, you know, I took over as
head coach. We had a lot of success as well,
and and don't get me wrong, that was is amazing
feeling to win a trophy. It's not easy. I've said
that before, so the boys should be really proud, but
this is something different. You know, to work with Terry
(03:51):
mcflynn and Doug Cars setting up the team is really challenging.
But eegally, now obviously it has paid off. And yeah,
obviously very proud of everyone.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
How was how was the atmosphere before the game yesterday?
Ended up there? Obviously Melbourne City had drawn the previous night,
so you knew that you were getting the plate regardless.
Did you find it in any way challenging to get
the boys focused or what was it like before the game?
Speaker 4 (04:18):
Now?
Speaker 3 (04:19):
It was quite easy actually, I think the pressure was
off the boys. You could probably see when they went
into the game. You know, that was probably one of
our best games we've played all season. It could have
been a lot more of the score line, but other
than Ali say or making it a few great saves.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
But yeah, just there's a real buzz around.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
You know. I had it last the night before when
I found out City had drawn. You know, it took
me two hours to get to sleep after that, so,
you know, and that carried on the next day, and
that's what the players were feeling, you know, So the
feeling of excitement and obviously can't wait to lift that
played up, which we did after the game in front
(04:58):
of our amazing fans.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Do you think Marley Franz while was trying to score
from that.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Corner, Well, he was able for the back post because
that's what we were we were working on, So he
definitely hit the back posts. Yeah, No, it's good for him,
you know, obviously it's his first goal. You put the
ball in the right areas and you get rewarded sometimes,
and you know, he obviously had a couple other shots
set up, one for Max Matter that got obviously I
(05:22):
think he might have hit Oi in the head or
whatever it was. But yeah, he played really well Marley,
and I'm really happy for him to get his first
goal in such an important game.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
All Right, So let's look ahead. One more regular season
game away at Western United this coming weekend, then a
weekend off, and then the home and away Seemis against
whoever it is. First of all, this week, Steve any
temptation at all to rest a couple of guys.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
No, none at all, really, I look at it if
I rest some players, they won't play for three weeks
and that's probably not what we want right now. They'll
get a little break in that week off that we
have next week before the away semi final, so we'll.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Go with whatever available of the boys.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
There's a couple of boys that have picked up little
injuries through the game, but I don't think they're not
too much. I think they're probably the only one who
is for Libe whether he'll be back for the game,
and then we've got to make a decision around that.
But yeah, it would be as normal. We want to
continue doing what we've been doing. We want to win
(06:27):
a game away from home. We want to make a
fifteen games unbeaten. So there's still plenty to do for us.
You know, we can It would be nice to reach
fifty goals as well, if we could get there. He's
still got three to go so in one game as
might be difficult, but we'll see how we go.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
And then beyond that, it's a little bit uncertain of
because you don't know who your opponent is going to
be in the semi final until you've got You get
the week off, you get to watch the two knockout games.
How do you go about structuring the back end of
the season, Steve, You know there are things are there
things you can do regardless of who your opponent's going
to be, for example, in the first week that you
have before those knockout games.
Speaker 3 (07:04):
Yeah, you know, we concentrate on ourselves first and foremost.
You know the opponent come will come later. And you
know we've played most well. We've played all these teams
at least twice, and Western if it would be Western.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
United, we've played them.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
There will be a third time by the time we
even play them in the semis, if that's the case.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
So I think we.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Know you know by now, you know the teams, you
know what their strengths are, you know what their weaknesses are.
It's more about our focus going into the games. You know,
you've got two games to get to a final. We
don't have to win it in the first one, but
you know, we definitely don't want to lose it either
in the first game. So you know, we've been very
consistent away from home and at home, so you know,
(07:46):
we're fairly confident going into the game of whoever we play.
I think it's going to be an exciting time anyway,
because next next week's you know, there's about three teams
that can finish seconds, so and it all pans out,
you know, on in the table, the top six, so
there's a little bit to do from some teams. So
there's going to be an exciting win next week to
see how that all goes.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I'm not sure whether whether you think about Sydney FC
anymore or not, but I'm sure you know the equation.
They've got to avoid defeats against They've got to avoid
defeat against Melbourne City to sneak in above Adelaide United.
Do you still hope SIDNEYFC make the six?
Speaker 4 (08:23):
Yeah, listen, that's a tough one obviously.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
To quote. Yet I'm not going to quote.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
It's just going to be an interesting week, So let's
put it that way, because Melbourne.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
City need to win because they need to finish second
to finish in that Champions League spot as well.
Speaker 4 (08:41):
Sydney need at least a draw.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
So they're a very good team, Sydney and you know
there they are a very good footballing team and they
will be dangerous if they get to the to the finals.
Speaker 4 (08:54):
So sometimes it's better if they're.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Not in it.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
So and there's more pressure on me obviously when I
come up against my old clubs. So but you know,
I'm pretty sure you know, they they could get a
point at least Melbourne City, if not win the game.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
So we'll see when that happens.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
It's very exciting that it's come down to the last
weekend that you know, apart from you guys finishing top
that positions below you too through seven are yet to
be decided, which I guess is the hallmark of any
good competition. I know this is out of your hands
and maybe jumping ahead a bit too much, but if
you were to make the Grand Final, would you like
to play it at go Media Stadium?
Speaker 3 (09:30):
Yes, I would. You know, we've played all their games there.
The boys are used to it. You know, you go
to another stadium, it's not like home. It's a little bit,
you know, if we go to Teach a bigger stadium.
But for us, my point of view is if we
go to go Media, we know it really well and
the boys, the fans, they love it there, and.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
We'll see what happens.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
You know, obviously that's sometimes out of our hands, but
you know, obviously my preference would be for that and.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Just finally, just back to the immediate aftermath of the
game Sat night. You're down on the grass, the players
are there, their families are out there. There are kids
and partners and all sorts of hangers on as well
down there. Did you actually get the chance to enjoy
that little moment while it was happening? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (10:21):
Probably.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
I didn't really get to see too much of the
port because I was doing interviews, but you know, they've
been really special to us, the port. Obviously the boys
went over there to celebrate with them. I missed sort
of that sort of little bit, but it was nice
to hold up the premiership plate with Heroki and the
team and all the staff behind us. You know, everyone's
(10:43):
put a lot into this season. Obviously, very rewarding for
all of us so far, and something special because there's
first ever trophy from New Zealand team as well, so
so obviously we're very proud about that.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Congratulations Steve, do you and the team everybody involved in
the club on ticking this box. All the best for.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
The next month, just Piney, thanks mate, No.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Thank you. Steve. Steve Coriic joining us on Sports Talk,
head coach of Auckland FC.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
For more from sports talk. Listen live to news talks.
It'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio
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