Marko Rudan has likened his battle with Australia’s football “establishment” to that of Ange Postecoglou, as the Western Sydney Wanderers boss hinted he may be forced to walk away from the A-League Men.
Wanderers owner Paul Lederer may potentially come under fire as Rudan gets ready to defend himself to Football Australia for his controversial remarks regarding the caliber of officiating during a 4-3 loss to Macarthur earlier this month.
Following Sunday’s 3-3 tie between the Wanderers’ Jorrit Hendrix and Tate Russell, Lederer was observed berating officials. The Football Association later said that they will be looking into the chairman’s behavior.
Up until late last year, billionaire owner Lederer served as chair of the Australian Professional Leagues, the organization in charge of the A-Leagues, and he still serves as a director.
However, Rudan, who was given a show-cause notice and has until Wednesday to present his case, claims he fears being kicked out of the game for having the audacity to express concerns about its direction.
Postecoglou left the Socceroos in 2017 due to frustration with the sport’s lack of advancement, while Rudan’s close buddy Ante Milicic did the same in 2022.
“Rudan, leading by example, truth spoken” was the banner unveiled by the Wanderers supporters to show their support for their manager. Rudan expressed his gratitude for the support.
“It was nice to be appreciated for standing up for them,” Rudan state
Having someone who can accomplish that when they most likely can’t, but yet defending the game at the same time.
“One of our greatest-ever coaches, who’s currently in the Premier League, left the game.
“He had his own reasons for it and they were pretty strong reasons, maybe that’s what the system, the establishment does to you.”
Rudan declared that he would not submit to FA and that he would fight the show-cause notice at every turn.
If the FA finds that the Wanderers manager has violated their code of conduct, he may face fines, reprimands, or suspension.
Rudan declared, “My club is going to back me and fight it.”
“Everyone in life finds themselves in a situation where they must make a decision.
“You either roll with the punches and walk away feeling sorry for yourself, or you defend yourself, pick yourself up, and move on.
We refer to that as resilience. I will always stand up for this football team, the supporters, my players, and the staff; that’s what it is to have character. Not a possibility.
