Melbourne Victory has announced the appointment of Venezuelan Giovanni Savarese as their new coach for the A-League Men. The club aims to infuse international experience into their setup with this move.

Coaching Experience

The 54-year-old Savarese has a diverse coaching background, having worked in South America, Europe, and the United States. He has signed a two-season contract to succeed Arthur Diles. Savarese previously led the New York Cosmos to three NASL championships in 2013, 2015, and 2016, before spending over five seasons as the head coach of MLS side Portland Timbers.

Player Background and Vision

As a player, Savarese represented Venezuela 30 times, scoring 10 goals. His career included stints in various leagues across South America, the US, Italy, and the UK. Melbourne Victory chairman John Dovaston expressed confidence in Savarese’s appointment, stating it represents a bold new direction for the club. “We are delighted … his experience as a player and coach across multiple continents, together with his character and football philosophy, aligns strongly with Melbourne Victory,” Dovaston said.

Managing director Caroline Carnegie emphasized that Savarese’s international experience was pivotal in the decision-making process. “Giovanni’s appointment reflects a deliberate decision to bring a fresh perspective to the club,” she noted. Savarese himself expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, “From my very first conversations with the club, I felt a strong connection to its vision and its values.” He assured supporters of his commitment to building a competitive team that they can be proud of.