Perth Glory’s recent struggles have raised concerns about the club’s direction and future prospects in the A-League. After just two rounds of the 2026 season, the West Australian team has suffered two losses, with performances marked by a lack of inspiration and cohesion. This follows a pattern of decline that has persisted since the club last won the Premier’s Plate in 2019 under former coach Tony Popovic.

The 2024-25 campaign was particularly disappointing, prompting questions about management decisions that followed. Notably, the club retained head coach David Zdrilic despite poor results, allowing him to lead the team through an entire pre-season before dismissing him after the second round of the 2025-26 season. Following Zdrilic’s departure, assistant coach Adam Griffiths was appointed as interim coach while the club sought a high-profile replacement. However, after being unable to secure a preferred candidate, Perth Glory confirmed Griffiths as the permanent head coach.

This decision has already come under scrutiny as the club continues to struggle on the field. Observers point to ongoing issues within the squad and question the role of football director Stan Lazaridis in addressing these challenges. Defensive weaknesses have been notably exposed, with the team conceding five goals in a recent A-League match. The defence has also been impacted by the departure of key player Dan Hall, who now plays in Japan for JEF Chiba.

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as Perth Glory attempts to arrest the decline and rebuild a competitive team. While the club’s leadership aims to stabilize the coaching situation and improve results, the early signs suggest a difficult season ahead.