Adelaide United is pleased to announce the appointment of Javi López as the Club’s new Transition and Individual Coach on a three-year deal, while also confirming that Elvis Markov will serve as Interim Head Coach of the Youth Team for the remainder of the 2025 RAA NPLSA season, with López supporting him as Assistant Coach.
A key figure in Adelaide United’s development strategy, López will focus on bridging the gap between academy and senior football by overseeing tailored coaching programs and driving individual player growth across the Club’s Pay to Play programs, Youth Teams, and Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s squad.
He will also play a hands-on role in the RAA NPLSA setup, supporting Markov as Assistant Coach following Airton Andrioli’s final match in charge this Saturday evening against table-toppers MetroStars at TK Shutter Reserve.
Markov, a long-serving FSA State Team Coach (2000–2019) and Adelaide United Youth Assistant Coach since 2020, is widely regarded as one of South Australia’s brightest coaching talents and a true gentleman of the game.
López said:
“I’m really excited to begin my coaching journey with Adelaide United. The Club, and the community, have always been so welcoming to me and my family, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back. I look forward to helping young players grow and reach their full potential in their football careers.”
Markov added:
“It’s a humbling privilege to lead the youth team as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. As a passionate supporter of the Club, I’m honoured to help guide our young players on their path to A-League football.
I want to thank Airton for his incredible work in laying strong foundations and congratulate him on his well-earned opportunity with the A-League side. We’ve worked closely for many years, and I’ve greatly appreciated his support, friendship, and mentorship.
I’m also thrilled to welcome Javi to the coaching staff. His playing experience and character will be an enormous benefit to the group.”
Technical Director, Ernest Faber, said:
“Javi brings passion, perspective, and a deep connection with our Club’s culture, while Elvis offers strong local knowledge and is a highly respected coach with decades of experience in South Australian football. Together, they provide the perfect platform for our youth players to thrive for the rest of this season and beyond.”
This announcement further reinforces Adelaide United’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and strengthening the Club’s player development pathway.
