Ross Aloisi departs Brisbane Roar for overseas opportunity

After just eight months at the helm, Ross Aloisi’s time in Brisbane is over, after departing the club to head overseas, where he appears set to link up with a familiar face.

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December 24, 2023 - 10:04AM

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 26: Brisbane Roar head coach Ross Aloisi shouts instructions during the A-League Men round five match between Brisbane Roar and Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium, on November 26, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

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Ross Aloisi has dropped a Christmas Eve bombshell on the Brisbane Roar, walking out on the club nine games into the season.

Aloisi will link with his A-League title-winning mentor Kevin Muscat at Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port, effective immediately, as reported by News Corp on Saturday.

Midway through the A-League season, Aloisi had led the Roar to fifth spot on the ladder, with his last game in charge a 2-2 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers last week.

The Roar, who face faltering powerhouse Melbourne City on Thursday, appointed Luciano Tani as the club’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Ross Aloisi is out of Brisbane. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“While we are sad to see Ross leave, we understand and respect his decision. This is an opportunity that Ross wanted to take for his personal growth as a coach. We did not want him to leave at this time, but we also did not want to stand in the way of an opportunity that is rarely presented to Australian coaches,” said Roar CEO Kaz Patafta.

Aloisi had previously worked with Muscat at Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, and couldn’t resist the chance to work alongside his old mentor once more.

But his departure is a blow to the resurgent club, who under his leadership reached October’s Australia Cup final and looked to be a club on the rise after some lean seasons.

“Leaving Brisbane Roar has been a very tough decision for me. I wholeheartedly believe in the club’s progress and direction. However, the opportunity presented to me overseas is something that aligns closely with my personal journey and goals as a coach,” he said.