Kurz firms as favourite to land Roar job as Adelaide exit looms

A-League nous and know-how has catapulted Adelaide United’s Marco Kurz into front-runner status in the race for the vacant Brisbane Roar coaching gig.

Kurz

Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz Source: Getty Images

Being conversant with the intricacies of the local competition is high among the pre-requisites for the post, and the 49-year-old German ticks that box, along with several others, as the field of 120 applicants narrows down to just a handful of serious contenders.

Despite guiding the Reds to successive FFA Cup finals since his arrival in 2017 - they beat Sydney FC to lift the trophy last year - the ex-Bundesliga coach has not been offered an extension, pointing to possible tensions between himself and the Dutch-fronted consortium, which owns the club.

Kurz, who has variously coached the likes of 1860 Munich, Kaiserslautern, Hoffenheim and Fortuna Dusseldorf, also piloted Adelaide into the play-offs in his debut season, and is on the cusp of doing so again.

None of which has gone unnoticed in Brisbane, where his leadership qualities, toughness and tactical awareness appear to be coveted.

It’s understood that Kurz has already sounded out several potential signings, such is his apparent belief that the reins could be his.

Kurz is open to extending his time in the A-League, and his name is resonating strongly with Roar co-owner Nirwan Bakrie and the selection committee assembled to source the right man to reinvigorate the fallen three-time champions.

The club are taking their time to find a long-term replacement for John Aloisi, who quit just before Christmas, with a host of names linked with the post.

Former Liverpool great Robbie Fowler, who also played for North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory at the back end of his career, has been touted as leading contender.
Others said to be in the mix include Carl Robinson - the former Welsh international midfielder most noted for his spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he played alongside Kevin Muscat and Steve Corica.

He coached Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps from December 2013 until last September, when he was shown the door.

Just how much the Roar will have to spend on a new coach will depend on what form the new independently run A-League model takes next season.

But, it’s anticipated that Kurz would fall within the available budget.


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 13 March 2019 8:19pm
By Dave Lewis

Share this with family and friends