Welcome to Best of the Press, where aleagues.com.au brings you everything you need to know from coach press conferences after the weekend’s matches.
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Melbourne City 2-1 Auckland FC
MATCH REPORT: Melbourne City make history with first ever win over Auckland FC
Aurelio Vidmar
Things haven’t been going to plan of late for Melbourne City and their head coach Aurelio Vidmar, however that all changed on Friday night at AAMI Park.
Despite going a goal down, the reigning Champions rallied to seal a 2-1 victory over the league leaders, leaving their head coach full of pride after the full time whistle.
Steve Corica
Despite Lachlan Brook bagging his sixth goal of the campaign the Black Knights ultimately succumbed to their third loss of the season.
A disappointed Steve Corica spoke to the media after the full time whistle.
Perth Glory 1-2 Brisbane Roar
MATCH REPORT: Brisbane break their losing streak in Perth
Adam Griffiths
Perth Glory’s topsy turvy form continued on Friday night as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Brisbane Roar.
The result is Perth’s third loss in their last five games, with head coach Adam Griffiths disappointed with his side lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Borja Lema
Brisbane Roar showcased their character on Friday night at HBF Park as they came from a goal down to beat Perth Glory 2-1.
The result was particularly impressive given they were without head coach Michael Valkanis, who has returned to Greece due to a family emergency.
Assistant coach Borja Lema dedicated the win to Valkanis when speaking at the post-match press conference.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1-2 Newcastle Jets
MATCH REPORT: Stunning Eli Adams free kick helps Newcastle up to third with win over Wanderers
Alen Stajcic
The pressure is certainly increasing on Wanderers boss Alen Stajcic after his side suffered their seventh loss of the campaign and their fourth in their last five matches.
Despite the loss though, Stajcic believes there are plenty of positives to take from the match, even if it’s a result that sees them continue to languish near the bottom of the ladder.
Mark Milligan
The Jets are absolutely flying at the moment and are now hot on the heels of the league leaders thanks to Saturday’s impressive 2-1 win at CommBank Stadium.
The win, which is their third in a row and fifth in their last six matches, had head coach Mark Milligan full of praise for his side, especially with the way they closed the game out.
Adelaide United 2-1 Melbourne Victory
MATCH REPORT: Adelaide pull off dramatic stoppage time win over Melbourne Victory in Original Rivalry classic
Airton Andrioli
Adelaide United bagged their third win in five matches on Saturday night as they defeated Melbourne Victory 2-1 in the Original Rivalry at Coopers Stadium care of Ryan Kitto’s 97th minute winner.
The result sparked scenes of joy inside Coopers with head coach Airton Andrioli among those jumping for joy at full time.
Arthur Diles
Whilst there were jubilant scenes inside the Adelaide United dressing room at full time it was no doubt the opposite for Melbourne Victory and their head coach Arthur Diles.
The Victory boss let his feelings be known in his post-match press conference when asked about the incredibly controversial call that saw a stoppage time winner from Matthew Grimaldi ruled out for offside.
Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Macarthur Bulls
MATCH REPORT: Mariners and Bulls share the points as subs star in rain-soaked affair
Warren Moon
The Mariners moved off the bottom of the ladder with a hard fought point against a tricky Macarthur Bulls side, with substitute Sabit Ngor scoring the all-important equaliser in the second half.
Head coach Warren Moon addressed the match and the Mariners’ tumultuous week when speaking at his post-match press conference.
Mile Sterjovski
The Bulls were good value for their lead at polytec Stadium as Socceroo Mitch Duke and winger Luke Vickery made an immediate impact off the bench, combining to score the opening.
However they were ultimately pegged back in Gosford, leaving head coach Mile Sterjovski frustrated at the full time whistle.
Sydney FC 0-2 Wellington Phoenix
MATCH REPORT: Sydney FC’s homecoming ruined as Wellington record deserved victory
Ufuk Talay
The Sky Blues hadn’t played at Allianz Stadium since April 2025 and had high hopes of getting a result in front of a good crowd in Sydney, however things didn’t go to plan.
A clunky first half display was summed up by a straight red card for Rhys Youlley on the stroke of half time before they ultimately succumbed to a 2-0 loss to the Nix.
Head coach Ufuk Talay discussed the key talking points in his post-game press conference.
Giancarlo Italiano
Wellington Phoenix proved to be the party poopers at Allianz Stadium as Giancarlo Italiano’s side recorded a richly deserved 2-0 win over the Sky Blues.
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano was full of praise for his side when speaking in his post-game press conference.
