Former Socceroo Zdrilic appointed Chicago Fire assistant coach

Ex-Australia striker David Zdrilic was named assistant coach at MLS club Chicago Fire on Sunday (AEDT).

Source: Chicago Fire

Chicago have announced former SBS The World Game presenter Zdrilic has been hired by head coach Raphael Wicky to be his assistant.

“It’s an absolute privilege to join the Fire,” said Zdrilic.

“Major League Soccer has always appealed to me and what’s been happening in this league and specifically the Fire has been truly phenomenal.

"The potential to grow something great with the Fire is huge and I look forward to being a part of it.”

Zdrilic spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig's U-19 and U-17 teams.

He was brought to Leipzig by Red Bull head of sport and development Ralf Rangnick, then the club's sporting director, who coached Zdrilic when he played for SLV Ulm in Germany's top flight.

Zdrilic was previously Sydney FC's U-20s coach in the 2016-17 season, and a National Premier League (NPL) assistant coach in the two seasons before that.

“David has a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach and we’re delighted to have him join the Fire,” said Wicky.

“He’s played at a high level, he can relate to the players and he will bring a winning mentality to this club.”

The Fire kick off the 2020 MLS season on 1 March against defending MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders.