Sydney FC has parted ways with title-winning women’s coach Ante Juric, with the once dominant Sky Blues now languishing among the competition’s cellar dwellers.
In his eight and a half seasons in charge, Juric guided the Sydneysiders to three A-League women’s championships and three premierships.
Under Juric’s tutelage, the Sky Blues also qualified for seven successive grand finals from 2018 and 2024.
However, Sydney’s 2025-26 campaign has been poor, with the team in second-last spot on the ladder with just two wins from 13 games.
Juric’s final game in charge was Saturday’s 3-2 derby loss to fellow battlers Western Sydney, the only team below the Sky Blues on the table.
It’s understood Juric subsequently met with Sydney’s board, and it was agreed that a change was needed.
Sydney’s NPL men’s assistant coach James Slaveski has been appointed as an interim replacement for Juric for the rest of the season.
Ante Juric’s time as Sydney FC’s women’s coach is over. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
“We are delighted to elevate James from his current role and give him this opportunity,” Sky Blues executive vice chairman Sebastian Gray said.
“The board has been impressed by James’ work within our academy and NPL programs, where he has demonstrated some outstanding coaching and leadership characteristics.
“We are excited to see James step into this role and lead the group for the remainder of the season.”
Gray also thanked Juric for his “contribution and legacy”.
“Ante will forever be remembered as one of the most important figures in Sydney FC’s history,” Gray said.
Juric’s relationship with the Sky Blues became strained in August last year.
At the time, he was also coach of the Sydney United 58 NPL NSW men’s team, who had drawn Sydney FC in a round-of-16 Australia Cup game.
However, the Sky Blues prevented Juric from coaching against the club’s men team, saying to do so would have breached his contract.