Melbourne City FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo has reflected on his first season as Head Coach following City record-breaking 2017-18 Westfield W-League campaign.
City became the first team in the W-League’s ten year history to win three consecutive Championships when they defeated Sydney FC 2-0 in the Grand Final.
During Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) rebel Female Football Week, Kisnorbo praised the character of female footballers, and in particular his playing group at the Club, in an interview on Football Nation Radio.
“Having coached [City’s W-League team] for 1.5 years, they’re fantastic, they’re great, they learn, they want to learn, they’re enthusiastic, they’re a sponge for information and this has probably been the best learning experience I’ve ever had in my development as a coach,” he said.
“They really worked hard and deserved all the success that they got this year.
“In terms of skill, I think the women are right up there, technically they are fantastic and they’ve got a great attitude.”
Following the conclusion of his first full season in charge of the side, Kisnorbo has reflected on his coaching journey and the opportunities that the City Football Group has presented him.
“There is a life after football and obviously I always enjoyed the coaching aspect,” Kisnorbo said.
“Now I’ve stepped into a role which I currently enjoy and want to pursue, and to start a new journey for myself.
“When I first started with the academy I had people like JVS [John van’t Schip], Joe Montemurro, Joe Palatsides giving me tips and helping me along the way.
“Then I was sent to New York to have a look at things with Patrick Vieira, which I’m so fortunate to be a part of that, it was great to see how he does things – he was fantastic,” he added.
“You take bits out of everyone and put it in your own way – they’ve been supportive, they’ve given me the opportunity to coach and I’ll never forget that because I am very grateful.
“As I did as a player, I always wanted to be the best player in the world and I want to be one of the best managers in the world,” he explained. “If I can coach at the highest level then I want to do that and that’s where I want to go.”
