He won 20 of 22 games and the league by 19 points: His next challenge is NPL WA

Western Knights have turned to one of WA football’s emerging coaches for 2027, appointing Diego Marin Dupre as their new NPL Western Australia head coach.

Marin Dupre arrives following two seasons in charge of Perth Glory’s Under-23 side, culminating in a dominant league campaign in which his team won 20 of 22 matches and finished 19 points clear.

His coaching journey, however, began well before his time with Glory. Marin Dupre has worked within the Football West Academy and previously coached the U17, U19 and U20 teams at Chilean club AC Barnechea.

He also spent eight years working as an assistant to Ariel Leporati, the current head coach of Chile’s U17 national team, while his own playing career included development through Chile’s youth system and first-team football in Chile and Spain.

Marin Dupre currently holds a Football Australia B Licence and is registered to begin his A Licence in 2027, with Western Knights president Dean Zlendic describing him as an “exciting, up-and-coming coach” with the hunger to succeed.

“We are absolutely delighted to have Diego on board,” Zlendic said. “Diego is an impressive man with a fantastic football mind, and we believe he is a great fit for our club, our players and our culture.”

Marin Dupre said the club’s history, culture and ambition had immediately appealed to him as he prepares to make the step into the NPL WA head coaching role.

“It is fantastic to be surrounded by people who share the same desire and ambition for success,” he said. “I’m excited to get on the park with the boys, start the preparation and begin this new chapter together.”

Western Knights finished seventh in NPL WA in 2026, with six wins and seven draws from 22 matches.