Following last Thursday’s announcement that head coach Darije Kalezić will not be continuing next season, Wellington Phoenix and Kalezić have further agreed that the Dutchman will finish up with immediate effect.
Both parties agreed it would be in the best interests of the club to make a decision swiftly, thereby allowing any potential replacement the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the current player group for the remainder of the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League campaign as the club looks to rebuild for next season.
For Kalezić it’s a decision made with the club’s best interests at heart.
“Since the club and I weren’t able to find mutual agreement on how to proceed in the future, my professional belief is that the next coach should be provided with [the] opportunity to lead the team for the remaining of the season in order to have enough time to create his opinion about current squad and his own action plan on how to proceed in the season to come.
“I would like to thank the club and the staff for their support,” said Kalezić, “and especially the city’s loyal fans, Yellow Fever, for their passion.”
“I have had [a] great experience in New Zealand – I came with big determination and energy for this project and I continue to believe that success can come for this football club.”
Wellington Phoenix would like to thank Kalezić for his contribution and wishes him and his support staff all the very best for future endeavours.
Youth Programme head coach Chris Greenacre will take charge of training and head coach duties.
