Miron Bleiberg
Miron Bleiberg | |
|---|---|
| Born | Israel |
| Occupation | Football manager |
| Known for | Managing Queensland Roar, Gold Coast United FC, Melbourne Croatia |
Miron Bleiberg () is a football (soccer) manager holding dual Israeli-Australian nationality.
Biography
Bleiberg completed his education at the Hebrew Reali School located in Haifa, Israel. He served as a captain in the Israeli Navy, where he was in command of patrol and missile vessels operating along the coast from Haifa to Sinai and extending into the Red Sea. His early coaching career in Israel included leading Hapoel HaTzair Kiryat Haim, a club competing in the fourth division of Israeli football at that time.
Following his move to Australia, Bleiberg took charge of Melbourne Croatia during the 1985 and 1986 seasons of the NSL. In 1987, he briefly managed Maribyrnong Polonia for 12 rounds before financial difficulties impacted the club; despite this, they secured the Victorian State League championship that year. His subsequent coaching appointments included stints at Croydon City, Heidelberg United, and the Brisbane Strikers. He also enjoyed considerable success in the Queensland Premier League with NorthStar and Queensland Lions.
Queensland Roar
Bleiberg was named head coach of the newly formed Queensland Roar for the first season of the A-League. Under his guidance, the team developed an entertaining style praised by fans and media alike, although they did not qualify for the finals. Known for his candid remarks and vibrant personality reminiscent of Jose Mourinho, Bleiberg resigned after Round 15 of the 2006/7 season when Queensland Roar had fallen to fourth place. His departure led to former Socceroos coach Frank Farina taking over.
Gold Coast United FC
Initially backing the proposed A-League expansion team Gold Coast Galaxy, Bleiberg’s involvement shifted when mining magnate Clive Palmer secured the franchise instead. Palmer appointed him as both head coach and football director of Gold Coast United. The club reached finals contention in their first two seasons, achieving an impressive third-place finish in their inaugural year. Notably, during a January 2012 match against Wellington Phoenix, Bleiberg became the first football coach worldwide to be miked live during a game, providing exclusive insights into matchday coaching.
In February 2012, ahead of a fixture versus Melbourne Heart FC, Palmer announced that 17-year-old debutant Mitch Cooper would serve as captain due to suspension of regular skipper Michael Thwaite. Bleiberg clarified this was largely symbolic, with on-field captaincy responsibilities delegated to Kristian Rees. Following public criticism from Bleiberg regarding this decision, Palmer imposed an indefinite suspension on him amid allegations that his remarks were disrespectful toward both Cooper and Palmer. On 19 February 2012, Bleiberg resigned, citing that Palmer’s conduct had compromised his professional dignity.
Oakleigh Cannons FC
Bleiberg assumed managerial duties at Victorian Premier League side Oakleigh Cannons FC five rounds into their 2013 campaign, succeeding Bill Theodoropoulos. He left the club in April 2015 and was succeeded by Arthur Papas.
Managerial statistics
| Team | Nat | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
| Brisbane Roar | Australia | 2 March 2005 | 2007 | |||||
| Gold Coast United | Australia | 8 August 2009 | 19 February 2012 | |||||
| Total | ||||||||
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Honours
- NSL Cup
- 1986 (Melbourne Croatia)
- Victoria State League
- 1987 (Maribyrnong Polonia)
- Queensland Premier League and Grand Final
- 1994 (North Star)
- 1996–1999, 2001–2004 (Brisbane/QLD Lions)