Former Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo has returned to the A-League Men, signing a three-year deal with arch rivals Melbourne Victory.
Kisnorbo, 43, who won an A-League championship with City in 2021, returns to Australia after a failed stint in charge of French club Troyes.
The former Socceroos defender was sacked by the French club last year, after being relegated from Ligue 1 and winning just three of 40 games in charge.
He had been linked with roles back in Australia, and was believed to have been sounded out about taking charge of a prospective Canberra side. But Canberra's delay in being granted entry to the competition led to Victory swooping and handing Kisnorbo a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Kisnorbo replaces Tony Popovic, who failed to agree to an extension with the club after taking Victory to this year's grand final, which they lost to Central Coast Mariners.
"The club has a rich history, an expectation for success, not to mention an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base, one that I have admired for so long, and that I want to make proud and deliver success for," Kisnorbo said.
"Significant building blocks have been set over the past few years in the club's A-League Men's and academy programs, and I am looking to set the bar even higher for every player and staff member [who] steps out on the pitch with the Melbourne Victory badge on their chest.
"Our brand of football will reflect what you have come to expect of Melbourne Victory sides.
"We will be bold and brave, play attacking, quick football and I will have my team ready for any challenge that stands in our way."