Zeljko Kalac has left Sydney FC with one year remaining on his contract as goalkeeping coach to take up the same role with crosstown rivals Western Sydney.
Kalac spent four years with the Sky Blues, who agreed to release him from the final year of his current deal.
"With Zeljko’s role incorporating every level of this club, the youth of Western Sydney will have even greater access to elite-level coaching and an improved player pathway to the Hyundai A-League," said Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas.
"From the ages of 12 all the way to the first team, Zeljko will be training the best goalkeepers in Western Sydney and that’s a huge win for the region."
The Wanderers’ incumbent goalkeeping coach Ron Corry will stay with the club in a new role which takes in scouting and community coaching.
Kalac said he was grateful for the opportunities he received at Sydney FC, who lost last weekend’s A-League grand final to Melbourne Victory.
"It is a great club which has helped me during some difficult times and for that I will be forever grateful," he said.
"I’d like to say a very big thank you to Scott Barlow, Tony Pignata, Graham Arnold and the Sydney FC board of directors for the opportunity to allow me to join a close friend who has asked for my help.
"Were it not for the close bond I share with him I would not be leaving the club.
"We’ve had a great season under Arnie this year and he will always be like an older brother to me."
A replacement for Kalac for the friendly matches against English clubs Chelsea and Tottenham will be announced shortly.
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