"It’s a bit of an insight into how coaching is in Europe," he says. "How hard you have to work. I think a new coach will be key to my development, I think it’s time for something fresh.

"I think Marco will do well. With the squad that he’ll get, the club will look after him."

After a dismal end to a sterling Victory career, the Muscat era will make way for a new stage in the ever-growing Victory saga. Kurz will be tasked with not only building a new squad, but attempting to hold on to the remaining talented youth products in the Victory system.

He'll also have to restate Victory's claim to being the most successful A-League club after Sydney FC's continued success, while finally making decent inroads in the Asian Champions League.

As the most structured, practical and defensive-minded coach Victory have appointed in years, you get the feeling that last clause may be high on Victory's agenda.

"It’s a massive club and they'll always bring in good quality players, but Carl’s gone, Kevin’s gone," Deng began.

"It’s time for younger players like myself to help. Leigh Broxham now, I feel he should be the captain, he’s been there for 13 years. He's had the leadership group around him for about five years now.

"We need our younger players to step up and help as much as they can."

Apart from Broxham, Deng was a little more uncertain about who he now looks up to in the Victory dressing room

"I look up to Broxy," he says. "I looked up to Carl but he’s gone now. Also Kev…

"Anthony Crea [Victory's head of football performance]. He’s also a big one for me, these are all the people that were there when I just started my career. 

"I'd just entered the youth team and was only training two or three times a week. Eventually I got my opportunity to be a part of the senior group and they are the ones that molded me, helping me along the way.

"They’re the one’s that are going to be missed, but that’s football – people come and go. You’ve just got to keep moving, keep growing."

While Deng's looking towards a brighter future, both at club and national level, the centreback was quick to praise the impact Muscat had left on the club.

He was lucky to have been developed in a dominant team and tactical system, one of Australia's best-resourced coaching setups.

Muscat's side allowed his technical skills to flourish, while also lending him the most prized experience in football - success.

"Kevin did a tremendous job but now he’s gone," Deng admits.

"While winning Championships, he was always very encouraging. I got to play alongside great players and he’ll be very missed.

"But I think it’s time for a new era. Something new, something fresh."