Sydney FC assistant coach John Maisano will soon depart the Sky Blues after it was revealed he’s been appointed as the new assistant coach of Spanish giants Real Sociedad.
Currently serving as number two to Sydney FC boss Ufuk Talay, Maisano will take up the exciting new role effective immediately.
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John Maisano on the Sydney FC bench
The 46-year-old joined the Sky Blues coaching staff in 2024 in place of former assistant coach David Zdrilic, having previously worked at Melbourne City and French side ES Troyes.
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Now heading to Spain and to one of the biggest leagues in world football, Maisano also becomes the first Australian to take up a coaching position in La Liga as he becomes number two to recently installed Sociedad boss, American Pellegrino Matarazzo.
“It’s a dream come true and I want to sincerely thank Sydney FC and Ufuk for allowing me the opportunity to take this next step,” Maisano said.
“This Club has become a special family for me and I’ve loved every moment of being part of this group.
“This opportunity honestly came out of the blue and isn’t something I could have foreseen, but it’s a huge chance for me at this stage of my career.
He continued: “Sydney FC has given me the skills, experience and belief over the past 18 months to be able to step into a role like this, and I’m incredibly excited about what lies ahead.”
Travelling to Spain on Christmas Day, Maisano will be in the La Real dugout for the club’s home clash against Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid on January 5.
“John has been a fantastic assistant coach and a pleasure to work with,” said head coach Talay.
“This is a great opportunity for him and one he fully deserves.
“These are exactly the kinds of opportunities Sydney FC wants to help coaches aspire to and achieve, and we’re proud of the pathway John is now taking.
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, I wish him all the very best.”
With Maisano heading off to take up the role in San Sebastian, Sydney FC second assistant coach Matt Sim will now step into the assistant coach role.
