Patrick Kisnorbo quits as Melbourne Victory coach to pursue overseas opportunity

With his team sitting in third less than half way through the A-League season, the Melbourne Victory coach has quit for a new job overseas

Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo has shocked the A-League by quitting the club days out from the local derby with cross-town rivals Melbourne City to pursue an overseas opportunity believed to be in Japan.

Kisnorbo. 43, was only installed as Victory coach in June, replacing Tony Popovic, after being dumped by French club Troyes following an unsuccessful stint with the club which was relegated to Ligue 2 under his watch.

Already an A-League title winner as coach of City, he had taken Victory to third on the A-League table after getting them to the final of the Australia Cup.

But in a move which sent shockwaves through the competition and was labelled “disappointing” by Victory chairman John Dovaston, Kisnorbo quit with immediate effect.

While his new destination was not disclosed, it’s believed he is set to take up an assistant coaching role in Japan, possibly at J-League club Cerezo Osaka or even Yokohama F Marinos, the club Ange Postecoglou took to the title.

Another club Kisnorbo has been linked to is second division outfit. Jubilo Iwata.

Melbourne Victory can confirm that A-League Men’s Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo has departed the Club to pursue an overseas opportunity. pic.twitter.com/dy25mUD7nU

— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) December 17, 2024

He will be replaced at Victory by senior assistant coach Arthur Diles to bring “stability and continuity” to the shell-shocked playing squad.
“We are disappointed to see Patrick depart the club so early in his expected journey with us; however, Patrick has advised us that this is an opportunity he wanted to take for his own development as a coach,” Dovaston said.

The club’s managing director, Caroline Carnegie, said Diles would be “well equipped” to take over and would be in charge for Saturday’s showdown with fourth-placed City at AAMI Park.

“We thank Patrick for his service and wish him all the best,” she said.

“As our attention turns to the rest of the season, we know Arthur is in an excellent position to further build on the strong foundations established as we ultimately strive for silverware.

“Arthur has a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics and is well equipped to ensure stability, maintain focus and provide leadership as the team moves forward.”

Patrick Kisnorbo was appointed as Melbourne Victory coach in June

Kisnorbo had signed a three-year deal with Victory having returned to Australia after nearly two seasons in France.

In the first season Troyes was relegated to the second league and after only winning twice in the first 15 games of the 2023–24 season, Kisnorbo was given his marching orders.

He also went through early tensions at the Victory, clashing with former prodigy Daniel Arzani and more recently leaving star striker Bruno Fornaroli out of successive games, a move which drew heavy questioning.

Despite that, Victory won five of seven games to open the A-league season, scoring 12 goals and conceding just four, the second-best defensive record of any team.

Originally published as Patrick Kisnorbo quits as Melbourne Victory coach to pursue overseas opportunity