German-born Marco Kurz says he's honoured to be appointed as the new coach of A-League powerhouse Melbourne Victory.
Kurz, who replaces the departed Kevin Muscat, joins Victory after his contract with Adelaide United wasn't renewed after two seasons in South Australia.
"It's an honour to be named as head coach of Melbourne Victory, a big club with a strong history, passionate fan base and true drive for success," Kurz said in a statement on Friday.
"I have got to know Melbourne Victory from afar and had tremendous respect for them during that time so it is exciting.
"During the interview process we had aligned beliefs about the direction forward which was very important.
"I can't wait to join the team and get underway."
Kurz will start his new job within a fortnight after the Victory's long-serving Muscat and the club parted at the end of the last A-League season.
The 50-year-old Kurz won the FFA Cup at Adelaide last year and took United to the finals in both league seasons.
Melbourne Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said he was thrilled at Kurz's appointment.
"Coupled with his international and domestic experience, Marco demonstrated outstanding qualities throughout (the search process)," he said in a statement.
"Importantly, his passion for success and desire to win is aligned with our clubs' ambition.
"We ... are confident Marco will do an outstanding job in the high-pressure role."
Kurz, who has managed in Germany's top and second tier competitions, was renowned in Adelaide as a shrewd tactician.
But he left Adelaide citing a lack of shared vision with United hierarchy.
Australian Associated Press
