2026 OFC Pro League semi-finalists Vanuatu United FC have announced an experienced, new coaching set-up ahead of next year's campaign.
German Lars Hopp, who had led the team in their impressive debut season, steps down from his role, replaced by former Auckland City FC Head Coach Albert Riera.
Riera will be supported by former Vanuatu national team coach Emerson Alcântara, who has been appointed as VFF Technical Director.
It signals clear intent from the club to build upon their exciting run to the final four last season, where they fell to eventual runners-up, South Melbourne FC.
Riera is well known in the Oceania region, with the Spaniard enjoying two spells at Auckland City during his playing days, either side of a stint with A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
He collected one New Zealand National Championship and three OFC Men's Champions League winners medals as a player, before adding two National League titles, three OFC Men's Champions Leagues and a Chatham Cup success as Auckland City's Head Coach.
The club's Champions League success gave Riera the opportunity to lead the team in two FIFA Club World Cup™ campaigns
Most recently, he was Head Coach at Christchurch United for their 2026 NZ Southern League campaign.
New VFF Technical Director Emerson Alcântara is another seasoned campaigner in the Pacific region.
The Brazilian has spent considerable time in Vanuatu, where he has led the national team at senior and U-19 levels, including a third place finish for the former at the 2023 MSG Prime Minister's Cup in New Caledonia.
He most recently took charge of Vanuatu women's national team, winning gold at this month's Women's MSG Prime Minister's Cup in Fiji, following a penalty shootout victory over Papua New Guinea.