Adelaide United have admitted defeat in their hopes of appointing Gabriel Batistuta as their new boss and have reportedly turned their attention to a coach with Bundesliga experience to replace Guillermo Amor.
Greg Griffin, Adelaide's club chairman, said that the attempt to bring former Argentina striker Batistuta to the A-League side fell down because the 48-year-old was unable to assemble the coaching staff he wanted.
"It wasn't about the money, it was about the team he (Batistuta) was assembling and the timing," Griffin said.
"That team had first rate experience but for a number of reasons different members of that team became unavailable.
"But it was all done in an incredibly professional and friendly way. But we have to moved on."
Griffin hopes to have a deal agreed with a new coach before the Australia national team host Saudi Arabia in World Cup qualifier at Adelaide Oval on June 8.
United are looking for a new coach after Amor declined to sign a new contract and returned to Spain 10 days ago.
"We told Guillermo the job was his, but we just couldn't be left standing without any options," Griffin said.
"So we did talk to Batistuta but a very important component of that team chose to remain where he was.
"Batistuta wasn't going to come to Adelaide without having serious people with him and his No. 1 choice, the very experienced coaching element is doing too well.
"It was a South American dream team."
According to The Advertiser, United are now targeting a coach who has experience in Germany's Bundesliga, and is expected to arrive in Adelaide in June.