A-League: ‘Shocked’ Melbourne Victory players rally behind replacement coach

Melbourne Victory’s captain says teammates are “really comfortable” with their new interim coach, who faces a baptism of fire.

Melbourne Victory players and staff were “shocked” at the abrupt departure of coach Patrick Kisnorbo, but his replacement says they remain in a good position ahead of a crucial derby clash on Saturday night.

Interim coach Arthur Diles faces a baptism of fire in his first game at the helm of an A-League side after Kisnorbo quit on Tuesday following just seven league fixtures.

Kisnorbo, 43, left for an undisclosed overseas role in a move which Victory chairman John Dovaston labelled “disappointing” after he had signed a three-year contract.

Diles, who joined Victory as an assistant under Tony Popovic last season, said he wanted the club to continue “building nicely” after a 5-1-1 start to the season.

He denied Kisnorbo’s swift exit for a new position undermined Victory’s status as a powerhouse club in Australian football.

Patrick Kisnorbo quit his role as Melbourne Victory coach just seven A-League games into his three-year contract. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

“This job has come up very, very quickly, and there’s only one focus right now – that’s to make sure the players are ready for this game on Saturday,” the 42-year-old said.

“For (Kisnorbo), he’s obviously seen something different and an opportunity for himself. Melbourne Victory is still Melbourne Victory ... it’s still the biggest club, and there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Diles, who was previously an assistant at Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets, confirmed Kisnorbo was the only Victory staffer to depart, leaving the rest of the backroom team intact.

Captain Roderick Miranda said while the news had shocked the players, he was able to quickly put it in perspective.

“Trust me ... in 15, 16 years of football, I have experienced and I’ve watched the worst things and most crazy things already,” Miranda said.

Melbourne Victory captain Roderick Miranda says teammates will quickly move on from the ‘shock’ departure of their coach ahead of Saturday’s Melbourne Derby. Picture: Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images

“In football, opportunities come, and you just need to grab it or not ... in this case, it was a personal life option, and you just need to respect it.

“Hopefully the fans come and make the stadium full. I just hope everybody comes and supports the team, because in the end, that’s the most important thing.

“We have no time ... to be grieving that happening. We had a discussion about it, we said our goodbyes ... and we just focus on Melbourne City, it’s the biggest game of the year so far.”

Diles told Victory supporters to expect “no real changes” to their style under his leadership, but made it clear he would be “my own person” in his first head coaching role.

“If it’s not broken, you don’t need to fix it. We just need to continue building the football style we’re playing ... that’s a club style as well, not just PK (Kisnorbo),” he said.

Always nice when friends send you some pics to remind you how lucky you have been to work at a top club, with top young footballers and great people. Great memories and looking for to supporting @wswanderersfc from afar this upcoming season. 🔴⚫⚽💪👊 pic.twitter.com/GnZfXo61hW

— Arthur Diles (@ArthurDiles) December 14, 2020

“I think there’s no coach that’s going to tell you that they don’t want to dominate the game and be proactive and be aggressive and be attacking. I’ve never heard anyone say otherwise.

“But I also know there’s an opponent every week who wants to do exactly the same thing. I’m my own person and I’m my own character. (7:31) That’s the difference between me and everybody else.”

Diles said Victory had a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s clash against Melbourne City at AAMI Park, with forward Nishan Velupillay ready to return from the ankle injury he suffered playing for the Socceroos last month.

Miranda said Victory needed no extra motivation heading into the derby, but were eager to give fans an “early Christmas gift”.

“It’s a special game. We won’t hide behind that. But as players, we already have our responsibility and our pressure to make sure that we get three points each game.”

Originally published as A-League: ‘Shocked’ Melbourne Victory players rally behind replacement coach