Arthur Diles had never held a professional senior head coaching role until December. Now, the 43-year-old is preparing for an historic Melbourne Derby Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final.
Football and life work in mysterious ways. There’s just some things you cannot plan for and Arthur Diles’ road to the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final is certainly proof of that.
Diles had started the season as assistant coach to Patrick Kisnorbo at Melbourne Victory. Initially lured to AAMI Park by former boss Tony Popovic in 2023, the experienced number two was ushering in a new era alongside the 2021 A-Leagues champion.
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Then, Victory were plunged into chaos just six months into Kisnorbo’s tenure. The retired Socceroo’s shock and hasty exit from Victory in December stunned the club and those around the league.
Step forward Diles.
With Victory third in the standings, the three-time champions originally turned to the former Western Sydney Wanderers, Xanthi and Newcastle Jets assistant to steady the ship as pundits and fans speculated over who could permanently replace Kisnorbo.
Diles oversaw three draws and three defeats in his first six games at the helm, but has now lost just four of his last 16 games en route to an historic Melbourne Derby Grand Final in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
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“That question, for me, is a frustrating one,” he said of Victory’s winless start after an Elimination Final victory over Western Sydney Wanderers.
“Because when you talk about the struggle for wins, a lot of people were making it out like we went six games with six losses. There were a lot of draws there. We didn’t get caught up in that too much.
“The process during that was great from us. The results weren’t there, but the football was good and there were a lot of draws. We knew we’d just stick to the plan and keep going, and then we’ll roll, and it will turn. And it did.
“In the end, we’ve never lost belief. They’ve got trust in that changeroom as well, and they’ve got massive belief in their ability – and so do we. We’ve got belief in the players. They just keep getting better and better.
“We’re not where we need to be yet, there’s still growth in us, absolutely. But now, it’s just about getting ready for game by game.”
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It was has been a whirlwind journey for the unheralded Australian coach.
Never before had Diles – who was appointed on a permanent basis in January – held a head coaching role in senior men’s football.
But the 43-year-old now has Victory on the cusp of an extraordinary Championship – which would be the club’s first since 2017-18.
“Stepping into the role in the circumstances I did is obviously unusual and it was a busy period through Christmas and New Year with trips to Sydney and New Zealand and a heavy schedule, but I think the group navigated the upheaval well,” he said upon signing a contract until the end of 2025-26.
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In the process, Victory have defied the odds under a rookie boss.
They upstaged the league’s most in-form team Western Sydney Wanderers in a blockbuster Elimination Final after ending the regular season in fifth position.
The Wanderers were in the midst of a 12-game unbeaten streak – their best run in 12 years. However, Victory spoiled the party.
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“It’s a great moment for us as a football club. Something we’ve worked extremely hard for,” Diles said.
“I know our fans will be there (at the Grand Final), that’s for sure we always show that. I don’t know what’s happening at the other end but our fans will turn up in numbers. They will be loud, they’ll be our 12th man like we always expect them to be.”
Diles has only been a professional head coach for 115 days. Now, he is potentially 90 minutes away from etching his name in not only Victory folklore but A-Leagues history.
