After securing their seventh-consecutive OFC Champions League title last year, Auckland City FC will remain in the capable hands of coach Ramon Tribulietx after the Spaniard officially re-signed with the New Zealand club this week.
“I’m very happy to have finalised a return,” Tribulietx said.
“I love my job at the club and I’ve got the freedom to lead the way things need to be done and that’s very important to me. Auckland City have been great in believing in me and what I do.”
Following their qualification for the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup, Tribulietx went off-contract at the end of the season, but is now looking forward to regaining their domestic title after falling short to Team Wellington, while also defending their regional OFC Champions League title and improving on their past seven World Club Cup campaigns.
“Seven years in a row we have been in a good position domestically or internationally in our confederation so every year there’s more people trying to knock you down,” he said.
“It’s a great challenge in itself and we need to improve to stay in front.
“At the moment, Auckland are the best fit for me. Another Club World Cup is a great opportunity for everyone at the club, individually and collectively.
“The season ahead of us looks like it will be another intense, challenging one but also enjoyable – doing what I love, coaching full time with the freedom and in a situation where I want to be.”
With Tribulietx’s extensive coaching experience on the international stage – and the team’s success under Tribulietx in past FIFA Club World Cup campaigns – Auckland City FC chairman Ivan Vicelich is feeling confident about their upcoming campaign in Abu Dahbi.
“He’s one of the best coaches in the country,” Vicelich said.
“With Abu Dhabi to look forward to this year, it’s great that Ramon is back to try and help us make an impact in the UAE.”
The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 will run from 6 to 16 December in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.