Investigation into Western Sydney coach Marko Rudan’s press conference no-show underway

The Australian Professional Leagues are currently investigating Western Sydney coach Marko Rudan’s absence from a post-match press conference following a humiliating 7-0 loss to Melbourne City. Despite mounting pressure on Rudan and the club after their heaviest defeat ever, Western Sydney maintains that Rudan is still their coach under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

The club claimed that assistant coach Jean-Paul de Marigny attended the press conference on Rudan’s behalf due to the head coach being in a team meeting, a reasoning that raised eyebrows among observers. Head coaches attending post-match press conferences is a typical expectation, with potential sanctions for skipping them.

Despite the poor performance, Western Sydney did not return home after the match, opting to travel directly to Perth for an upcoming match against Perth Glory. The Wanderers have struggled recently, losing all three games since Rudan returned from a two-match suspension, conceding 14 goals in the process.

De Marigny, who faced questions about Rudan’s absence, declined to comment on the matter, focusing solely on discussing the game itself. The match against Melbourne City was described as a disaster for the Wanderers, with the team looking hapless and lacking urgency on the field.

Former Wanderer Terry Antonis added insult to injury by scoring a remarkable goal and celebrating in front of Rudan on the away bench. The loss to Melbourne City saw City move ahead of Western Sydney in the standings, adding to the pressure on the Wanderers as they aim to turn things around in the remaining six rounds of the season.

De Marigny emphasized the need for the team to regroup and stay positive ahead of their next game against Perth, highlighting the importance of maintaining a fighting mentality for the rest of the season. Despite the challenges, the Wanderers remain focused on improving their performance and securing better outcomes in upcoming matches to keep their hopes of reaching the finals alive.

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Denis Hardin

American writer and avid traveler with an insatiable passion for soccer. Hailing from the heartland of the USA, Dennis brings a global perspective to his writings on Asian football. His articles are a fusion of cultural insights and sporting analysis, providing readers with a unique blend of perspectives. Whether he's exploring the bustling football scenes in Tokyo or sharing anecdotes from his time in Mumbai, Dennis's articles are a captivating journey through the diverse world of Asian football.