Melbourne Victory sack Durakovic

Struggling Melbourne Victory have sacked coach Mehmet Durakovic after a stuttering start to the season that has seen them win just three games, while losing five and drawing six. Assistant coach Kevin Muscat will take over as caretaker for Saturday's home A-League clash with the Newcastle Jets. "We gave Mehmet every opportunity to achieve success this season but we found we were inconsistent and without direction," said club chairman Anthony Di Pietro. He said Muscat was not a candidate to take over as head coach, but an appointment was imminent. "With 13 games left, we still think the club can have success this season," he said. Victory are languishing in eighth spot on the ten-team A-League ladder despite a star-studded line-up including former Liverpool striker Harry Kewell. Durakovic was only appointed full-time in June after a stint as caretaker following the sacking of long-time coach Ernie Merrick in March.