Wellington Phoenix have confirmed Darije Kalezić will step down as the club’s Hyundai A-League coach, effective immediately.
Former player and youth programme coach Chris Greenacre will take over on an interim basis.
Kalezic said the decision was made to depart immediately in order to help the club build for next season.
STAFF UPDATE | Confirmation that Darije Kalezic has left the club – Chris Greenacre will lead the team on Saturday for #WSWvWEL #COYN 👉
https://t.co/5qc8tGgFfO pic.twitter.com/GJZ3qSZfrT— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) March 7, 2018
“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,” Kalezic said in a statement.
“I would like to thank the club and the staff for their support 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 tackle Western Sydney Wanderers at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.