Adelaide United hopes to avoid new coach bounce when it meets bitter rival Melbourne Victory following Marco Kurz’s sacking
Avoiding a new coach bounce will be Adelaide United’s priority when it hosts traditional rival Melbourne Victory, just two days after ex-Reds boss Marco Kurz was sacked by the Victorian club.
Adelaide United
Don't miss out on the headlines from Adelaide United. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Adelaide United will look to avoid falling victim of a new coach bounce, when cross-border enemy Melbourne Victory comes to town without a familiar face.
It came eight months after the German parted ways with the Reds and two days out from the rivals’ A-League clash at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Kurz steered United to an FFA Cup win and to within a successful penalty of a grand final spot last summer.
But he was not offered a contract extension by Adelaide and was installed as Victory boss in June.
Stream over 50 sports live and on demand with KAYO SPORTS. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly.
Kurz’s axing followed Sunday’s last-gasp 2-3 loss at lowly Central Coast.
Victory coughed up two stoppage-time goals to fall to an unlikely defeat, as its now former boss was red carded at the death.
Spanish assistant Carlos Salvachua will take over the reins of the sixth-placed outfit until the end of the campaign.
Reds defender Michael Marrone, who inked a one-year contract extension on Wednesday, said the change of leadership held no concerns for his teammates.
“If there’s ever a time to play Melbourne Victory at home on a Friday night, it’s this week,” Marrone, 32, said.
“It’s difficult to judge in terms of how they’re going to fare in performance.
“But I think with such a short turnaround ... I don’t think any coach can implement anything too new.
“We’re probably going to see something similar of their style.
“It’s going to be a perfect game (and) perfect atmosphere for us, so we really have to be up for it.”
Marrone, who has played as a right back and centre back this campaign, committed to an eighth season during his second stint with United.
The SA-born veteran moved to second on Adelaide’s all-time appearance list, after playing his 183rd game for the club in the loss to Perth Glory last weekend.