Melbourne Victory defender Jason Geria reveals team reaction to coach walk out and the plan ahead

Melbourne Victory defender Jason Geria has revealed how the team learnt about coach Patrick Kisnorbo’s ‘shock’ resignation, and how they are pushing ahead without him.

It took less than 24 hours for Melbourne Victory to move on from the “shock” departure of coach Patrick Kisnorbo with defender Jason Geria declaring nothing has changed and the team is ready for this weekend’s derby clash.

Geria said Kisnorbo quitting was the last thing he expected when he walked into the clubhouse for training on Tuesday morning.

The coach had only been in the job for six months.

“It was a shock, obviously I wasn’t coming into training expecting something like that, but we digested it, accepted it for what it was and we’ve moved on,” Geria said.

“We were informed from the staff what was happening, he came to the club and addressed everyone and we said goodbyes.

“We wish him well but the focus has already switched from yesterday’s events to getting ready for this weekend.”

Victory will play Melbourne City in their second derby clash of the season. City sit fourth, just three points behind Victory.

Patrick Kisnorbo unexpectedly quit as Victory head coach. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Assistant coach Arthur Diles has been elevated to the top job – a move Geria is supportive of.

“He is someone we all know, we work well with him, he’s been with us for two years now,” Geria said.

“He knows the club, he knows us, he knows how we play, it’s just been about continuing what we’ve been doing for the past seven weeks or so.

“It’s the same routine, same approach to the game, same mentality, the goal is the same – we’re trying to win trophies.

“That hasn’t changed because Kisnorbo has left.”

It is not the first time Geria has found himself in this situation with Victory. He was playing for the club back in 2013 when then coach Ange Postecoglou announced he was leaving, just three games in, to take up a job as the Socceroos coach.

Geria has no doubt Diles will be able to keep the side on their current trajectory.

“It’s the same situation for Diles, it’s an unexpected occurrence, but you take that opportunity and then you run with it, it’s there for him to make the most of it and we’re going to be there to help him the whole way,” Geria said.

“We want him to succeed, we’ve adapted.”

Jason Geria endorses assistant coach Arthur Diles in the top job. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Helping Victory through this rough patch is the fact they have been through many tough times together.

Just two seasons ago Victory finished one rung from the bottom of the ladder, they bounced back to finish third last season before losing the grand final to Central Coast Mariners.

“The core group has been through really good times and really bad times and I think that translates to being able to handle adversity and to deal with something like this in a really positive manner,” Geria said.

“It’s not just the guys that have been there for a long time, everyone who has arrived this year has really contributed to the squad. We are just eager to get on with things.”

The 31-year-old said there was more than bragging rights riding on the game.

“Every game is important, but against your big rivals there is a bit more spice,” Geria said.

“There is a bit more riding on, especially from a fan perspective, but also for our season.

“We’ve built some good momentum these last few weeks, we’ve played really good football but probably didn’t kill off teams like we should have.

“I think we could have scored five or six goals against Perth and Western United.

“We’re playing really well but this is more about continuing that performance.”

A win would certainly help Geria finish what has been an impressive year for the defender on a higher.

Geria has been recalled to the Socceroos. Picture: Michael Klein

He was recalled into the Socceroos squad by former Victory coach turned Socceroos coach Tony Popovic for the first time in eight years.

Geria slotted straight into the revamped defensive line up with Harry Souttar and Cam Burgess.

“Football is strange,” Geria said.

“You can work and work and work and things may not really fall for you and then it can all happen at once.

“For me there are a lot of positives and negatives. We did lose two finals this year so that sits in my mind but then also in a positive sense my form and getting back into the national team.

“I know that a lot of what’s happening with me is because of this team and playing under the coaching staff that I’ve been playing under, they’ve given me the platform to achieve those things.

“I’m grateful for that and hoping it can continue into the future and more good things can happen for me.”

Melbourne Victory play Melbourne City at 7.35pm on Saturday.

Originally published as Melbourne Victory defender Jason Geria reveals team reaction to coach walk out and the plan ahead