Melbourne Victory have appointed experienced Venezuelan Giovanni Savarese as their new Head Coach on a two-year deal.
A 30-time Venezuelan international, Savarese arrives in the Isuzu UTE A-League having most recently coached MLS side Portland Timbers for the past five-and-a-half seasons.
The 54-year-old enjoyed plenty of success in Portland, winning the ‘MLS is Back Tournament’ in 2020 whilst also steering his side to two MLS Cup Finals as well five post-season appearances.
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Giovanni Savarese of the Portland Timbers
Prior to his success in MLS, Savarese established himself as one of North America’s leading coaches with the famed New York Cosmos, winning three NASL Championships across a four-year spell, and brings with him a specific, attacking style of play.
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Victory Chairman John Dovaston said Savarese’s international experience and football philosophy made him the standout candidate to lead the club into its next chapter.
“We are delighted to appoint Giovanni as our Head Coach,” Dovaston said.
“His experience as a player and coach across multiple continents, together with his character and football philosophy, aligns strongly with Melbourne Victory.
“We are excited about the future and confident in his ability to deliver success both domestically and in Asia.”
A former Venezuelan international striker, Savarese represented his country 30 times during a playing career that took him across South America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Victory Managing Director Caroline Carnegie said the club was attracted by both Savarese’s attacking approach and his proven ability to succeed in a competition with similarities to the A-Leagues.
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“What stood out throughout the recruitment process was not just his attacking football philosophy, but the fact that Giovanni has succeeded in a competition with strong parallels to ours,” Carnegie said.
Savarese is expected to arrive in Melbourne in July following his FIFA World Cup media commitments and has already commenced planning for the new season.
His first competitive fixture at the helm will come in the Australia Cup Round of 32 as Victory begins preparations for a fresh push for silverware under its new head coach.
