Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano has made just one change to his staff for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League.
Up and coming Australian coach Jordan Manning has been appointed the Phoenix men’s second assistant and head analyst.
Manning has held similar roles at Thai champions Buriram United FC, Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League and Brisbane Roar in the A-League.
“Jordi brings experience to the Phoenix,” Italiano said. “He’s been to a couple of different clubs overseas, which has made him a better coach and will make us a better coaching team.
“He will bring fresh ideas not only from a coaching point of view, but also from an analysis point of view.
“I think the analyst role is more important than the assistant coach role because he’ll be providing insight that is very crucial to the team’s football philosophy.”
Jordan Manning has recently started his pro coaching licence course, but he has also worked as a strength and conditioning (S&C) coach and is familiar with holding multiple roles.
“At Brisbane I was the S&C and analyst, in India I was the assistant coach and S&C and in Thailand I was the assistant coach and analyst so the hybrid role is something I’ve been accustomed to,” Manning said.
“It’s probably helped me being able to do a few different roles and I hope I can be an asset to the club.” He’s also looking forward to working in the A-League again after a season away.
“I’ve been a big follower of the A-League and I’ve been in and around the league for a few years now so I’m pretty happy to again be at a club that’s been quite successful and I’m looking forward to contributing if I can.
“I enjoy new challenges and learning from new people. I think there are some top professionals here I can learn a lot from.
“I’m pretty excited about the challenge and hopefully we have as good a year as last year, if not better.”
Jordan Manning is already in his third week with the club and is enjoying his time in the capital.
“It’s a bit colder. I had to buy jackets at the weekend as I didn’t own enough warm ones!
“But it’s been great. The city’s beautiful. There’s lot to see and do and the people have been really welcoming.”
