Former Reds coach sacked by Melbourne Victory
Marco Kurz has been sacked by Melbourne Victory after only 13 games in charge of the Victorian outfit.
Marco Kurz's stint coaching Melbourne Victory has come to a quick end. Photo: AAP/George Salpigtidis
Rumours circulated early this morning that the German had been told that he would not be continuing as coach.
It was later confirmed by the Herald Sun that Kurz was indeed sacked on Tuesday night.
Kurz’s red card at the conclusion of last week’s loss to the Central Coast Mariners was reportedly the catalyst for the move by Victory’s hierarchy.
Melbourne had had a poor start to the A-League season but have recovered somewhat and are currently in the top six, ahead of Adelaide United on goal difference.
They play United this Friday night in what is shaping a massive derby fixture for both teams.
Kurz had taken the reigns at Victory following a two-year stint as manager of Adelaide United.
The former Hoffenheim manager, who was blamed for multiple backroom issues at the Reds, was told his contract would not be renewed by United’s owner Piet van Der Pol in early 2019.
Kurz’s final game in charge of United was the semi-final against Perth, which Adelaide lost on penalties.
On that night, Kurz lambasted a camera operator from Fox Sports for trying to record the team huddle before the penalty shout-out and other club officials were accused of verbally abusing referees and a security guard.
Before @gomvfc appointed Marco Kurz, the club spoke to 3 senior people that worked with him at @AdelaideUnited. None of the 3 provided positive feedback and one of them was scathing in his criticism. MVFC appointed him anyway, apparently, because “there was no one else”. #ALeague https://t.co/O1sIdEO7Np
— Manton Street Tribe (@MantonStTribe) January 14, 2020
Kurz’s assistant Filip Tapalovic is also expected to depart the club.
Victory’s decision to dismiss Kurz was made at a board meeting with the club expected to put Spanish assistant Carlos Salvachua in temporary charge for Friday’s match against Adelaide.
Media reports suggest Salvachua, 46, is likely to lead the club for the remainder of the season while a permanent replacement is sought.
– with AAP
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