Auckland FC name replacement for title-winning coach

<p>Auckland FC has ended its search for a new manager, appointing Pedro Moreira as head coach for its upcoming A-League season. </p> <p>The Portuguese manager will replace championship-winning coach Steve Corica, <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/06/19/auckland-fcs-title-winning-coach-steve-corica-leaves-club/" target="_blank">who quit in June</a> to take up a job with Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan's J-League.</p> <p>Moreira's appointment ends a month-long international search to find a new head coach for the A-League champions. </p> <p>“Off the back of the club’s successful first two seasons, we wanted to maintain that momentum and appoint someone who would come into the league and be a step above the rest. We believe Moriera is that person," chairman and majority owner Bill Foley said. </p> <p>Director of football Terry McFlynn said the club had "a lot of confidence" in Moreira. </p> <p>He said Moreira's vision was to focus on youth and develop player pathways. </p> <p>“Coming in to coach this side in a country that is still developing its love of the beautiful game is a unique opportunity that I can’t wait to get started with,” Moreira said.</p> <p>Moreira brings an impressive resume to Auckland, having spent years as an assistant to respected Portuguese manager Paulo Fonseca. During his time as an assistant, Moreira has worked at Italian giants AS Roma, Porto in Portugal's Primeira Liga, and top Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. </p> <p>He first became a head coach in 2022, with short stints at Casa Pia and Torreense in Portugal's first and second divisions. </p> <p>More recently, he coached Pakhtakor FC to a second-place finish in the Uzbekistan Super League. </p> <p>He will be a new face to the A-League. </p> <p>"This is a young club, but a highly successful club that has set the bar in terms of performance. It’s already won two trophies alongside the best fans in the league," Moreira said.</p> <p>“Being able to bring more success here and to continue to develop these exciting young players is something I’m really looking forward to.”</p> <p>This season will feature new backroom staff, with Auckland's OFC Pro League coach Luke Casserly to be Moreira's assistant. </p> <p>Moreira will need to play a part in rebuilding the club, which has <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/21/another-auckland-fc-star-departs-as-wait-for-new-coach-continues/" target="_blank">lost several key players</a>. Auckland is currently adapting to salary cap exemptions it was previously exempt from. </p> <p>He will get a chance to test his players against reigning Asian champions Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, with the date and venue for that match yet to be confirmed. </p>