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.

Melbourne Victory coach Marco Kurz addresses his players during the Round 1 A-League match between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City FC at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Saturday, October 12, 2019. (AAP Image/Sean Garnsworthy) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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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.

The Victorian club on Wednesday announced it had sacked manager Marco Kurz following just four wins in his 13-game stint at the helm.

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.

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Former Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz has been sacked by Melbourne Victory after just 13 games at the helm of the Victorian club. Picture: AAP Image/Sean Garnsworthy

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.

Adelaide United defender Michael Marrone has signed a one-year contract extension to remain at the Reds. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

“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.