Melbourne Victory has officially named Giovanni Savarese as their new Head Coach, signing him to a two-year contract. The experienced Venezuelan coach brings a wealth of knowledge and success to the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Coaching Background

Giovanni Savarese, a former Venezuelan international with 30 caps, joins Melbourne Victory after a successful tenure with the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he coached for over five years. During his time in Portland, Savarese led the team to notable achievements, including winning the 'MLS is Back Tournament' in 2020 and reaching two MLS Cup Finals, along with five appearances in the post-season.

Philosophy and Experience

Before his stint in MLS, Savarese made a name for himself with the New York Cosmos, where he won three NASL Championships in four years. His attacking style of play and international coaching experience were significant factors in his selection as the head coach of Melbourne Victory. Club Chairman John Dovaston expressed confidence in Savarese's ability to guide the team, stating, “We are delighted to appoint Giovanni as our Head Coach.” Dovaston highlighted Savarese's alignment with the club's philosophy and his potential to achieve success both domestically and in Asia.

Melbourne Victory's Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, noted that Savarese's attacking approach and proven success in a competitive environment similar to the A-Leagues were key reasons for his appointment. Savarese is expected to arrive in Melbourne in July after fulfilling his FIFA World Cup media commitments and has already begun preparations for the upcoming season. His first competitive match will be in the Australia Cup Round of 32 as he aims to lead Victory towards new silverware.