Melbourne Victory is thrilled to announce that Club icon Besart Berisha has been appointed as Head Coach of our Senior Academy team for the 2026 Football Victoria season.
In addition to Berisha, Melbourne Victory goalkeeping legend Mitch Langerak will also join the Academy as its newly appointed Goalkeeper Coach.
Berisha, one of the most prolific strikers in A-Leagues history, started his transition to coaching immediately upon the conclusion of his playing career, having earnt his UEFA Pro-License.
Having played professionally across Europe, Asia, and Australia, Berisha made 133 appearances for Melbourne Victory, with 81 goals, two Championships, a Premiership and an Australia Cup triumph across four seasons from 2014 to 2018, bringing a wealth of experience to coach Victory’s next generation of stars.
Langerak, who started and finished his 18-year professional career with the Club after returning to Melbourne, retired at the end of the 2024/25 A-Leagues season.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica, said these appointments are another step toward ensuring the long-term success of not only our elite pathways but an enduring connection to the Club’s identity.
“Having someone with Besart’s drive and lived experience lead our Senior Academy team is fantastic for our players,” Didulica said.
“Bes’s connection with the Club is deep. The combination of knowledge and passion that he has for Melbourne Victory will ensure that our young players have the best possible preparation for putting on a Victory shirt”.
“Both Bes and Mitch bring a special perspective on Australian and international football, and we know they will provide elite direction to our players as they hope to make the step to full-time professionalism.”
Returning to the Club for the first time in an official capacity, Berisha said he was looking forward to the challenge of this exciting step in his football career.
“I’m very pleased to be stepping into this role with Victory,” Berisha said.
“Since retiring from my playing career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to pursue my passion for football through coaching and to return to the Club that I have so many fond memories with, and which I consider my home, is a privilege.
“It’s incredibly important to create the best environment and development opportunities for the next generation of footballers. I know the hard work and resilience it takes to be successful, and I hope that, alongside Mitch, we can continue to instill those qualities into our players and help our Academy programs reach new heights well into the future.” Berisha said.
“Having recently stepped away and retired from playing, I’m looking forward to this next phase of my career,” Langerak said.
“Continuing my journey with Victory is a privilege, and I’m very much looking forward to working with Bes and our goalkeeping staff to pass on my knowledge and experience, to develop the next generation of footballers, and in particular, goalkeepers.
“The Academy is continuing to grow and set new standards for football in Victoria, and I hope to continue to build on successful foundations so we can provide more opportunities in the game.”
Besart and Langerak will be joined by Senior Academy Assistant Coach Joaquin Griffiths-Moreno, who will continue in the role following the 2025 season.
