The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Dutchman Gertjan Verbeek has quit as coach of A-League club Adelaide United.
Verbeek, who returned to the Netherlands amid the league’s suspension of competition, asked to be released less than a year into his two-year contract.
Citing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Verbeek said he and the club “mutually agreed” to split.
“Given a number of reasons, such as the global health problems, future of the league, difficult financial situation of the club and the need to protect and care for my family, my future as head coach at Adelaide United was insecure,” Verbeek said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The coronavirus has made it a very difficult and insecure situation for everyone but I hope the team, the staff, and everyone’s families all remain safe and healthy during these challenging times.”
Verbeek and the majority of Adelaide’s coaching and administration staff, along with all players, have been stood down since the league was placed on hold because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Five rounds, plus finals, remain in the season with A-League hierarchy still holding out hope of completing the league.
Verbeek’s assistant Carl Veart was expected to take over as head coach should the season resume.
United chairman Piet van der Pol said the club also wouldn’t be renewing the contract of performance coach Gerald Sibon. Sibon – a Dutchman who like Verbeek had returned to the Netherlands – falls off-contract at season’s end.
Van der Pol didn’t rule out more changes to Adelaide’s coaching ranks.
“In due course we will assess the situation and will make the appropriate coaching staff decision based on the status of the league,” he said.
© AAP
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
It was not too long ago that it was no guarantee that the best youth talents from South Australia would make their A-League debuts…
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
A 10-man Macarthur FC have scored twice in the final 10 minutes and goalkeeper Filip Kurto saved an added-time penalty to defeat Adelaide United…
Clubs have cited regulations claiming players who decline national team call-ups ought to be prevented from featuring at a domestic level.