Ross Aloisi has parted ways with Brisbane Roar to join Kevin Muscat at Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port.
News Corp Australia reported on Saturday that former Melbourne Victory boss Muscat – who was appointed by the Shanghai outfit last week for the 2024 season and beyond – wanted Aloisi to be his assistant coach.
It was an offer Aloisi – who has previously worked under Muscat at Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, where the pair enjoyed title-winning success – found too good to refuse.
Aloisi told the Roar squad on Sunday morning before training that he was leaving.
Luc Trani, who was part of Aloisi’s coaching staff, has been elevated to he top job in an interim capacity for the rest of the season.
After returning to Australia from Japan, Aloisi was appointed Brisbane’s new coach in May on a two-year deal.
He guided the Roar to October’s Australia Cup final, with his attacking style of football having won him many admirers, including Brisbane captain Tom Aldred, who last Wednesday declared Aloisi had “revolutionised” the club on and off the field.
In his nine A-League matches as coach of Brisbane ¬ where he has been forced to operate on a shoestring budget – Aloisi has won four, drawn two and lost three.
“Leaving Brisbane Roar has been a very tough decision for me:” Aloisi said.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the club’s progress and direction.
“However, the opportunity presented to me overseas is something that aligns closely with my personal journey and goals as a coach.
“It’s a path I feel I must take at this stage in my career.”
Roar chief executive offer Kaz Patafta said: “While we are sad to see Ross leave, we understand and respect his decision.
“This is an opportunity that Ross wanted to take for his personal growth as a coach.
“We did not want him to leave at this time, but we also did not want to stand in the way of an opportunity that is rarely presented to Australian coaches.”
Patafta said interim boss Trani’s “vast experience” aligned “perfectly with our club’s philosophy and goals”.
“We are fully committed to supporting Luciano in continuing the positive start to this season,” Patafta said.
Trani’s first game in charge of Brisbane is on Thursday night against Melbourne City at AAMI Park.
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