West Adelaide Hellas “mutually agree” to part ways with Premier League coach Steve De Giovanniello after just nine months

Three coaches in less than 12 months – that is the reality for a top-flight Adelaide soccer powerhouse after parting ways with another manager. The latest change came after a 3-0 loss.

Coach Steve De Giovanniello parted ways with West Adelaide following the club’s 3-0 Premier League soccer loss to Adelaide United youth on Saturday. Picture: Adam Butler

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A top-tier SA soccer club fighting to stave off relegation has parted ways with its coach – nine months after appointing him.

West Adelaide mutually agreed to cut ties with Premier League mentor Steve De Giovanniello following its 3-0 loss to Adelaide United youth at the Parks on Saturday.

The defeat extended Hellas’ winless streak to seven games and dropped them to second-bottom on the table.

Ex-West Adelaide coach Steve De Giovanniello. Picture: Adam Butler

De Giovanniello had led the club to two victories, six draws and seven defeats since taking charge in September.

Stav Gelekis, a senior assistant with Hellas, has been installed as coach for the remaining seven games of the season.

“Both the club and I decided it was the best way forward and it was a mutual decision,” De Giovanniello said.

“The results haven’t been the best.

“As much as I’ve tried and the playing group has tried, we got to a point where, unfortunately, we haven’t been able to turn the season around.

“I think it’s best for the playing group and myself that they hear a new voice and a change might spark a change in results.

“I would like to thank the club for the opportunity and I wish the playing group all the best.

West Adelaide’s Tzoi Tsarkani in action against Adelaide United youth’s Jared Clark on Saturday. The young Reds won the clash 3-0. Picture: AAP/ Morgan Sette

“I still think they’ve got enough opportunities to save themselves from relegation and I hope they can resurrect their season.”

De Giovanniello replaced Jim Karatzas, who mutually parted with West in August.

In March last year, De Giovanniello was sacked by Adelaide Blue Eagles after just three games as coach, all ending in draws.

De Giovanniello on Sunday did not rule out returning to coaching but was looking forward to having more time to spend with his wife, Kylie, and children Clara, 6, and Leo, 1.

Hellas announced De Giovanniello’s exit on their Facebook page, saying “the club thanks Steve for his efforts and wishes him the best for his future endeavours”.

West chairman Alex Alexandrou was unavailable for comment on Sunday.