Melbourne Victory has confirmed its Head of Academy and VPL1 Head Coach Joe Palatsides will depart the Club for a coaching opportunity with a major European club.
After being appointed in 2021, Palatsides has led the Academy in the post-COVID era, overseeing coaching across all Academy age groups and the senior Academy side.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football John Didulica thanked Palatsides for his contribution to the Academy over the past three years.
“Joe has left the Academy in a position we are incredibly proud of and will allow us to continue to nurture Academy players into our A-League Men’s side,” Didulica said.
“Collectively, we’ve worked relentlessly to ensure the Academy had credibility, produced players for the A-League Men’s team and could elevate players into professional club football here and overseas.
“Three years on from Joe’s appointment, we’ve transferred Franco Lino into Europe, have eight Academy players about to start pre-season as A-League Men’s contracted players, are on top of VPL1 and are leading each competition through the junior NPL.
“The stature of the club that Joe is heading to in Europe also underlines the quality of coaches we have at this club and the benchmarks that we are setting across the organisation.”
Palatsides was also grateful for his time at Victory.
“It is with a heavy-heart that I leave Victory but I’m excited for my new opportunity abroad,” Palatsides said.
“I’m proud of all the work our coaches and staff have put into the Club’s Academy to have it in the position it is across all age groups and with our senior side.
“For me, continuing the progression of Melbourne Victory Academy players to the first team and abroad is vitally important and I’m wishing the Club the best in continuing on this journey with a great group of players across all age levels.”
Former Victory A-League Men’s Assistant Coach Luciano Trani will become the interim VPL1 Head Coach for the remaining matches of the VPL1 season as the side looks to maintain its spot at the top of the table.
“To bring in Luc to step in for Joe is a great coup for the Club,” Didulica said.
“Luc is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced coach at all levels in Australian and Victorian football. He’s someone well-respected and admired by all within the football community and knows the players from his time at the Club giving us the confidence in him to get the job done.”
Source: Melbourne Victory
