Opinion: Phoenix go for broke with new manager Darije Kalezic

Darije Kalezic
Darije Kalezic on the sideline in the Dutch league. Photo credit: Getty

OPINION: The Wellington Phoenix needed a change, and they've got one. Darije Kalezic is a manager you've almost certainly never heard of, but he's the new man in charge of the struggling A-League club.

It's a bold decision and one that was needed.

Des Buckingham and Chris Greenacre did an admirable job in the capital following Ernie Merrick's resignation, but they would have been a safe appointment.

After a couple of disappointing seasons, it's time for a fresh start in Wellington. Kalezic is Swiss-Bosnian, and a former footballer himself, playing in the top Dutch league as well as FK Velež Mostar in Bosnia.

The 47-year old retired in 2006, and has built up a wide range of managerial experience: in the Netherlands, Belgium, England and a brief stint in Saudi Arabia.

Rado Vidosic (left) and Darije Kalezic (right) at the managerial announcement
Rado Vidosic (left) and Darije Kalezic (right) at the managerial announcement Photo credit: Photosport

Kalezic has a strong association with Dutch football, after working his way from a youth coach to the head coach at De Graafschap. He then led the club to the top division in his first full season in charge.

He also managed the PSV Eindhoven Reserve side, Jong PSV, for two seasons and guided Roda JC to 14th in their first season back in the top-flight Eredivisie competition.

He's worked with Belgium prospect Zakaria Bakkali, Dutch international Luuk de Jong and former Liverpool forward Oussama Assaidi. The Phoenix will be looking for him to improve the talented bunch of youngsters on their books, including the likes of midfielder Sarpreet Singh.

Adding Rado Vidosic as his assistant coach is a solid move, with the 55-year old stacked with A-League experience at the Brisbane Roar, and the Melbourne Victory.

Kalezic has a big job on his hands, and there's no doubt making the playoffs will be a must.

There are plenty of holes in the squad, after the departures of multiple first-choice players and he's inheriting a squad that's lost most of its spine: goalkeeper Glen Moss, defender Jacob Tratt, midfielders Roly Bonevacia, Alex Rodriguez and possibly Vince Lia, and forwards Shane Smeltz and Kosta Barbarouses, have all left Wellington.

Rado Vidosic after winning the A League with the Brisbane Roar
Rado Vidosic after winning the A League with the Brisbane Roar Photo credit: Getty

It's a step into the unknown for the Phoenix, and they'll be hoping Kalezic can stick around at Westpac Stadium.

He lasted just three months with English side Stockport County before parting by mutual consent in 2013, while he was fired from Saudi Arabian side Al-Taawoun FC after only seven games.

The Phoenix are likely to show a bit more patience, but make no mistake, Kalezic has a lot of work to do, and he needs to get started right away.

Henry Rounce is a sports reporter for RadioLIVE