Why Marco Kurz had to go and how Melbourne Victory plans to replace him
Melbourne Victory boss Anthony Di Pietro has admitted the club got it wrong on sacked coach Marco Kurz, saying he’s in no rush to find a permanaent replacement, but interim Carlos Salvachua will use the rest of the season as an audition.
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Ruthless Melbourne Victory chiefs declared defensive displays and poor results were behind the sensational sacking of coach Marco Kurz, just 13 games into a two-year tenure.
Kurz was unavailable for comment but was understood to be shocked when told on Tuesday evening by the Victory board, who won’t be rushed into appointing a permanent replacement with Carlos Salvachua named interim until the end of the season.
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Spaniard Salvachua, who has served as an assistant since he was headhunted by Kevin Muscat 18 months ago, has vowed to attack starting with Friday’s visit to Adelaide United.
Victory hopes to have Johnny Warren medallist Marco Rojas available for Friday’s Cooper’s Stadium clash, with Austrian attacker Kristijan Dobras in the process of exiting the club amid a mini mid-season overhaul.
However Victory chief executive Trent Jacobs only confirmed the departure of full back Corey Brown, which has enabled them to free up extra salary cap space for Rojas’ return after a stint in Denmark.
The style was regularly referenced by Victory officials in relation to the reason for the sacking of Kurz, whose side was sitting sixth (four wins, three draws, six losses).
“The decision was not made lightly but based on the best interests of the club moving forward. Given performances and results to date, we felt now is the time to act,” Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said.
“No organisation gets every appointment right. Our members expect an entertaining brand of football.
“I don’t use the word agony lightly. This is people (we’re dealing with). Wasn’t easy for Marco or anybody.
“We have expectations, we want to be up there. Under the leadership of Carlos, we believe our playing group can deliver on field success this season.
“Carlos has more than 20 years’ coaching experience in Spain at clubs including Real Madrid and Villareal. He’s highly regarded by players and staff and understands expectations of members and fans.
“With respect to recruitment of head coach beyond this season, we’ll take our time and work through a thorough process.”
Youth team coach and ex title-winning midfielder Grant Brebner and academy chief Drew Sherman will step up as assistants.
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Salvachua joined the club in 2018 after he was headhunted by then coach Kevin Muscat.
Championship winner Muscat will not be a contender for the role after landing a European gig with Belgian club Sint-Truiden.
He wants the job, long term, conceding the first month was vital, while revealing starting XI spots were up for grabs.
“For sure we have to be protagonists in games. We have to think more in our team, and play the next game like it’s our last game,” Salvachua said.
“My future will be connected with the results and performance. It depends on the next month.
“The first 11 is open for all the squad. Doesn’t depend on age and experience, depends on performances everyday at training.”
Originally published as Why Marco Kurz had to go and how Melbourne Victory plans to replace him