Marco Kurz confirmed as Melbourne Victory’s new coach

Melbourne Victory has turned to a foreign coach to lead next season’s A-League campaign after announcing Marco Kurz as Kevin Muscat’s replacement.

Melbourne Victory has gone foreign for just the second time, appointing former Adelaide United boss Marco Kurz for the next two seasons.

Northern Irishman Jim Magilton — who for the last three months of the 2011-12 season after Mehmet Durakovic was sacked — is the only other foreigner to be handed the coaching reigns at Victory, who’ve preferred local options since appointing Ernie Merrick as their inaugural coach.

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Kurz, who beat an impressive shortlist, will now focus on his visa recruiting, with Swedish sensation Ola Toivonen the only one contracted for next season.

Victory has just 15 contracted players for this season, with Kosta Barbarouses, Georg Niedermeier and Raul Baena headlining the exits.

Victoria’s A-League coaching jigsaw puzzle is now complete, after Melbourne City appointed Frenchman Erick Mombaerts with expansion club Western United having unveiled Mark Rudan last month.

As revealed by the Herald Sun, Kurz emerged as the frontrunner weeks ago with Victory’s board ratifying his appointment this week on a two-year deal.

Former Adelaide coach Marco Kurz will lead Victory next season. Picture: Getty Images

“Our panel of experienced football people including Mark Bresciano, Paul Trimboli and Rob Sherman, undertook a comprehensive recruitment process,” Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said.

“Coupled with his international and domestic experience, Marco demonstrated outstanding qualities throughout. Importantly his passion for success and desire to win is aligned with our clubs’ ambition.

“We look forward to working together to bring excitement and success for the Victory family and are confident Marco will do an outstanding job in the high-pressure role.”

Kurz, who won an FFA Cup and led United to the semi-finals last season, will arrive within a fortnight.

“It’s an honour to be named as head coach of Melbourne Victory, a big club with a strong history, passionate fanbase and true drive for success,” Kurz said.

“I’ve got to know Melbourne Victory from afar, and had tremendous respect for them during that time, so it is exciting to join the club.

“During the interview process we had aligned beliefs about the direction forward which was very important. I can’t wait to join the team and get underway.”