Melbourne Victory ‘disappointed’ after head coach makes bombshell decision just days out from derby match
Melbourne Victory head coach Patrick Kisnorbo has announced that he will be leaving his role at the club to pursue an opportunity overseas.
The shock announcement comes on the eve of Victory’s huge derby match against Melbourne City this weekend, with Kisnorbo having overseen just 12 games at the football club since his arrival in June.
Succeeding new Socceroos boss Tony Popovic, Kisnorbo would go on to enjoy a successful spell at AAMI Park, guiding Victory to the Australian Cup final in September. He’d go on to lose just two games while in charge.
According to Yahoo Sport, the 43-year-old is leaving to take up a new role in Japan.
With Victory third in the table, three points off Auckland at the top of the ladder, Kisnorbo’s decision to leave is being seen by some powerbrokers as a big blow.
Speaking on the shock decision, Chairman, John Dovaston said: ‘We are disappointed to see Patrick depart the Club so early in his expected journey with us, however, Patrick has advised us that this is an opportunity he wanted to take for his own development as a coach.’
Patrick Kisnorbo is set to leave Melbourne Victory after joining the club earlier in june
Chairman John Dovaston said he was ‘disappointed’ by the Kisnorbo’s (pictured) decision to leave the club
The news comes as Victory are set to play city rivals Melbourne City later this weekend
The club confirmed senior assistant coach Arthur Diles is due to take the reigns in the interim.
Managing director Caroline Carnegie added: ‘We thank Patrick for his service and wish him all the best.
‘As our attention turns to the rest of the season, we know Arthur is in an excellent position to further build on the strong foundations established as we ultimately strive for silverware.
‘Arthur has a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics and is well-equipped to ensure stability, maintain focus and provide leadership as the team moves forward.’
The Victory coach had signed a three-year deal at the club earlier in the winter after he had been sacked by French side, Troyes.
It came after a disappointing run with the Ligue 2 club, with Kisnorbo being axed after winning just one of his last 10 games in charge across all competitions.
He also knows plenty about this weekend’s opponents, City, having worked wiht the club as an assistant coach and City’s head coach for four years.
He would oversee 72 games in charge of the club before departing for Troyes in November 2022.
