After a historically abysmal game last Saturday, Victory were scrambling to find a way out of the treacherous waters of what could possibly be described as its poorest season.
On 17 April, Melbourne’s first ever A-League team were pummeled by archrivals Melbourne City 7-0, resulting in not only the biggest lost to a derby rival, but also the highest equal loss in A-League history.
Coach Grant Brebner was subsequently dropped by the team after the monumental loss, leaving the team to find a new manager to pull them out of the deep hole.
“Obviously, it has been an incredibly tough week with Grant Brebner and the Club parting ways over the weekend. Grant is a champion of Melbourne Victory and will always be a part of this club. We will continue to support him in whatever his next steps are,” Melbourne Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said in a statement.
READ MORE: Grant Brebner appointed as Melbourne Victory’s head coach
After almost a week of rumours and speculation, Mr Di Pietro announced the team has appointed Tony Popovic as head coach for the next three seasons, commencing in July.
“Tony brings to our club a wealth of coaching experience and a record of success. He has a deep understanding and knowledge of the A-League and the nuances associated with the competition. He was the standout candidate with two A-League Premierships and a historic AFC Champions League title,” Mr Di Pietro said.
Popovic, who is currently in Croatia was the main contender for the job after being let go by Greece’s second tier team Xanthi FC.
The new head coach had initially made his way to Xanthi following his 2019-20 A-League premiership win with Perth Glory and secured back-to-back finals campaigns in West Australia.
In the discussions leading up to the appointment Popovic noted he had “watched the Club from afar as a player and a coach and that Melbourne Victory is a proud club renowned throughout the A-League for its strong culture and its passionate member and fan base.”
READ MORE: Xanthi FC lets go of Tony Popovic
Mr Di Pietro acknowledged the remainder of the current season will be challenging “given the circumstances” and playing with a depleted squad, but it is the Club’s expectation that current players will continue on with “a determined fighting spirit”.
“Interim Head Coach, Steve Kean, has made it very clear that all players are playing for their futures. It is also an opportunity for our younger squad members to demonstrate their ability and character at the highest level,” he said.
The Melbourne Victory chairman also noted the Board is “committed to providing Tony with the resources he requires, both on and off the field” to bring the team back to its former glory.
More to come as the story develops.