\n<\/p>\n
Dario, 39, was born in Croatia – the home country of his parents – when it was part of Yugoslavia, but moved to Australia a year later when Rado played for Queensland Lions.<\/p>\n
He followed his father’s path, becoming a player and representing Australia, before moving into coaching.<\/p>\n
Asked about the role of football in his life, Dario added: “From a young age it was probably with dad, everything was with him. When he was playing, I was watching.<\/p>\n
“A lot of the time I’d be on the back fields with the kids. We were in a Croatian community club, so were always together. <\/p>\n
“We would play early in the day with the juniors and then we’d head off to wherever the first team were playing. Those are all my memories, just following dad around.<\/p>\n
“It was something I loved to do. Mum and dad both sacrificed a lot to help me travel. I never felt like I missed out.”<\/p>\n
For Dario, moving into coaching was “natural” and he asked to join Rado as an assistant at Melbourne City to learn the ropes.<\/p>\n
In 2022, his father moved across to the men’s side so Dario took charge of the women’s team before joining Brighton two years later. <\/p>\n
During his time in the WSL, he has impressed in helping Albion close the gap to the top four.<\/p>\n
“[My dad] influenced what we’re doing and some ideas that we were working on together, even when I was his assistant [in Melbourne],” said Dario. <\/p>\n
“I try to live day by day, try to improve myself, try to improve the team and give them as much as I possibly can. <\/p>\n
“Now I’m enjoying it [in a different way]. I went to my son’s training this week. It was a beautiful afternoon. <\/p>\n
“It’s a moment to disconnect even though you’re not disconnecting from football totally. Family gives that nice perspective away from the game.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n