Arthur Diles’ tenure as Melbourne Victory coach extended until end of next season

Despite an ordinary record since taking over as Melbourne Victory’s head coach, Arthur Diles has shown enough to be offered a longer-term deal.

Melbourne Victory has extended Arthur Diles’ tenure as the club’s head coach until at least the end of next season despite his record of just one win from seven games since taking over from Patrick Kisnorbo.

Previously one of the club’s assistant coaches, Diles was elevated to the top job in an interim capacity on December 17 after Kisnorbo’s shock decision to quit the Victory to join the coaching staff at Japanese outfit Yokohama F. Marinos.

The Victory then went on a disappointing run of six games without a win, including three losses, before securing its first win under Diles last Friday, a 2-0 defeat of Sydney FC at AAMI Park.

It’s a win that has seemingly been enough for Diles to secure a permanent deal despite suggestions that some Victory officials had been keen on bringing either John Aloisi or Nick Montgomery – both A-League title-winning coaches – to the club next season.

The Victory’s director of football John Didulica said Diles had the “absolute respect of everybody” at the club.

Arthur Diles will remain the coaching hot seat at Melbourne Victory. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

“Since joining the club almost two years ago, Arthur has demonstrated his commitment and his capacity to instil a game model that we want to see (and) build a team that taps into the great talent that sits within our academy,” Didulica said.

“Our focus in recent weeks has been building support for Arthur and the players and ensuring we maintain the highest possible standards of performance and commitment.

“Whilst we have dropped points through this process, we are confident we have the calibre of squad to reset, and we are still well positioned to achieve silverware in 2025.”

Diles said the Victory squad had “navigated the upheaval well” following Kisnorbo’s departure.

“As a club, our expectations and standards have not changed over the period,” Diles said ahead of his side’s clash with Perth Glory at HBF Park on Saturday night.

“We want to keep following our processes, ensure we deliver consistent and high-quality performances playing the exciting style of football our fans expect from us, and importantly see those processes and performances translate into points and trophies this season and beyond.”

The Victory has also added assistant coach Nick Stavroulakis and football analyst Patrick Hooper to its coaching staff.

Originally published as Arthur Diles’ tenure as Melbourne Victory coach extended until end of next season