City coach Patrick Kisnorbo has backed Matthew Leckie ahead of their clash against Adelaide United. (Photo: Melbourne City FC)
Having guided Melbourne City to its maiden premiership earlier in the year, head coach Patrick Kisnorbo has signed a two-year extension keeping him at the club until the end of the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season.
Having been involved in the City coaching group since 2016, he’d first serve as an assistant and senior coach of both the youth and women’s team before being appointed as a assistant coach for the senior men’s side in 2018.
Taking over from the departing Erick Mombaerts last season – who’d guided the club to its first grand final appearance – Kisnorbo would go one better in 2020-21, winning a premiership in his first season as head coach.
Kisnorbo has been part of the club since 2013, having played and captained the club for three seasons where he made 81 appearances and was a main-stay in defence, before staying on at the club in a coaching capacity.
Having been involved in the club for nearly a decade and winning a premiership in his first season, Melbourne City view Kisnorbo a crucial piece to the club’s sustainability.
The new deal for Kisnorbo comes as more positive news for the club, with the majority of the playing squad from its premiership season signing on in addition to Matthew Leckie and Manuel Pucciarelli signing for the club during the offseason.
He became the first coach to bring City to both a men’s championship and premiership in its 12 years in the A-League. If Kisnorbo sees out his deal to the end, he’ll also become the clubs longest-serving coach, overtaking John van ‘t Schip’s 96 matches coached.
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After being contracted to the role until 2025, Kisnorbo believes he’s privileged to be given more time role as head coach until and is thankful for the opportunities the club have given him thus far.
“I’m incredibly honoured and humbled to be given the opportunities that I have had at the Club. The level of support that we receive here is second to none and it has allowed me to develop both on the pitch as a coach and off the pitch as a person,” he said.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to extend my contract for another two years and continue to be part of such a positive environment.
“As a playing group we want to push ourselves and play our attacking style of football. I can’t wait for the new season to start and to see our fans back at AAMI Park.“
Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo also commented, believing that Kisnorbo is the right man for the club going forward.
“Patrick is an exceptional club person and truly believes in the way we want to play our football. Not only has he delivered the on-field results, but he also typifies the type of character we want to keep building this club around into the future,” he said.
“To see him come through the academy, women’s team and now the A League Men’s team not only reinforces the club’s stability, but it’s also testament to the pathway we are able to provide for young aspiring coaches.
“We look forward to creating more success and to keep lifting the bar on and off the field in the coming years.”
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