The Central Coast Mariners have announced some exciting additions to the coaching staff for the upcoming season.
Former German international Nicolai Muller and former Leeds United and QPR analyst Andres Clavijo are both joining the coaching staff.
Muller, who has almost 200 games of experience in the Bundesliga, retired from professional football after playing for the Central Coast during the 2021/22 A-League season.
Müller was Nick Montgomery’s first ever signing as head coach of the Mariners.
The former midfielder joins the Central Coast in his first coaching role, tasked with the job of helping develop individual youth players and run training sessions for those who do not travel away for AFC Cup games.
He will also be helping Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo at training with the day-to-day workings at the Mariners Centre of Excellence.
Muller said he was excited to be back working with the Mariners, having joined up with the coaching staff a few weeks ago.
“It is amazing to be back with the club, it feels very familiar being here,” he said.
“I know a lot of boys who were here when I was here as well as Monty and Sergio, so it is great.
“When I left the club, I was still in regular contact with Monty and Sergio all last season and watched the incredible journey.
“We had a little conversation and Monty offered me a position in his coaching staff and I said yes straight away.”
Clavijo has spent much of his life in England and is moving to Australia for his first role outside of Europe after signing up as analyst and coaching assistant for the Mariners.
Fans of the English Premier League may recognise the Colombian from his high-profile stint with Leeds United.
He said he was extremely excited to get started with the Mariners.
“I am super excited to be on the Central Coast,” Clavijo said.
“It seems like an amazing place to work, and I cannot wait to get started with Monty, Sergio and all of the boys.”
Montgomery said he was thrilled to have both Clavijo and Muller join the Mariners’ coaching staff.
He said Clavijo’s popularity during his time at Leeds spoke volumes about his character.
He said Muller was an extremely valuable addition to his coaching staff.
“It’s great to have Nico back at the club,” he said.
“He has so much knowledge and experience and was a very popular member of the squad in my first season as head coach.
Source:
Central Coast Mariners