Patrick Kisnorbo believes that Melbourne City FC’s progression to its third consecutive Westfield W-League Grand Final is down to the mentality and character of his squad.
City sealed a place in the Grand Final after defeating Premiers Plate winners Brisbane Roar 2-0 on Sunday, with Aivi Luik and Jess Fishlock’s second-half goals the difference in a pulsating clash at Perry Park.
After reaching the Grand Final from fourth position for the second season running, the boss was bursting with pride after the match and said it was his team’s unity that would hold them in good stead ahead of Sunday’s showpiece against Sydney FC.
“It’s a good result and I think the ladies deserved the win,” Kisnorbo said. “We’ve been working all week – all season – for games like this and it came to fruition tonight. I thought the team was fantastic for the entire 90 minutes.”
“We’ve got a special group of players; I wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re friends not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well.
“They spend time together, they work together. They trust each other, and they believe in their ability. If you get that mixture, it will come to fruition on the pitch.
“We haven’t done anything yet, but we have a special bond and culture that we wanted at our club, and that’s all credit to the girls. “
While history beckons for City once again – no team has ever won three consecutive Championship titles in competition history – Kisnorbo is ensuring his side takes a simplistic approach to the contest at Allianz Stadium.
“It’s just another 90 minutes,” he said. “Sydney has had a great run this year and they’re a great team.”
“We have confidence going into the next match, but we have to treat it as just another match of football.”
Match Details
Westfield W-League Grand Final
Sunday 18 February 2018
Sydney FC vs Melbourne City FC
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Kick-off: 5:00pm (AEDT)
