A-League finalists lock in coach

Sydney FC have appointed Patrick Kisnorbo as head coach on a three-year deal after leading the Sky Blues to the 2025-26 A-League Men Grand Final.

Kisnorbo initially replaced Ufuk Talay until the end of the season but the decorated Australian coach will continue in the role after the Sydney board “unanimously agreed” he was the “standout candidate” to lead the five-time champions following an unbeaten seven-match tenure that has resulted in a Grand Final berth this weekend.

It comes after a comprehensive review of the head coach position – one that lasted two months and assessed over 20 candidates from Australia and overseas.

Gamba Osaka head coach Jens Wissing had been linked with the Sky Blues last week. But, 2021 A-League champion Kisnorbo – who had returned to Australia following a brief stint at Japanese club Yokohama F.Marinos – has earned a long-term contract in the Harbour City.

“It is a huge honour to be appointed Head Coach of Sydney FC for the next three seasons,” said the 45-year-old.

“This is a massive football club with a proud history and strong ambition and I want the Members and fans to see a group that is humble and works hard.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the players over the past six weeks and they have responded exceptionally well to everything we’ve asked of them.

“There is an exciting future ahead for this football club and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Kisnorbo enjoyed great success with Melbourne City, winning back-to-back A-League Men Premierships in 2021 and 2022. That tenure also included a Championship double in 2021 and a Grand Final appearance the following year.

An A-League Coach of the Year, Kisnorbo then earned a move to French club Troyes in Ligue 1 in November 2022. It was a turbulent tenure which ended in December 2023 after ESTAC were relegated from France’s top tier at the end of 2022-23.

A return home to Australia followed in 2024 via City’s rivals Melbourne Victory. However, it was a short-lived spell after Kisnorbo took up a role in Japan, initially as an assistant at Steve Holland’s F.Marinos.

Less than a year after his Marinos departure, Sydney turned to the former Australia international.

Sydney FC Chairman Dr Jan Hendrik Voss said: “Patrick has impressed us enormously throughout the review process and during his time at the club.

“He is a proven winner, he understands the A-League competition and the Australian and Asian football landscape.

“He has already demonstrated he can lift standards, performances and belief across the football club.

“We believe Patrick has the qualities to bring silverware to Sydney FC and we are looking forward to the Grand Final on Saturday.”

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