Melbourne Heart FC’s Patrick Kisnorbo has drawn praise for his solid display in the Melbourne Derby on Saturday night, but has pinpointed Head Coach John Aloisi’s tactics as the key factor in the encounter.
Melbourne Heart FC-s Patrick Kisnorbo has drawn praise for his solid display in the Melbourne Derby on Saturday night, but has pinpointed Head Coach John Aloisi-s tactics as the key factor in the encounter.
In his competitive debut for the Red and White, Kisnorbo made 12 clearances – more than any other Hyundai A-League player in Round One – and stifled Melbourne Victory-s attacking line on regular occasion, alongside fellow central defender Robbie Wielaert.
Kisnorbo accrued 63 touches – three less than industrious midfielder Andrea Migliorini (66) – and attempted 43 passes with an accuracy of 83.7 per cent in an effective display.
“We were hard to beat – our game plan was what John practiced on during the week, and we stuck to it,” Kisnorbo said.
“We didn-t concede goals and we made it hard for the opposition.
“It felt very comfortable and we executed the perfect game plan and it worked.”
Kisnorbo said he was pleased with his first A-League hit-out.
“It was good; a good standard [and] the game was played at a quick pace,” Kisnorbo said.
“Obviously there were no goals, but I think it was entertaining all round.”
While Kisnorbo-s first-half header – in which he made his way forward following a corner to head just wide of the target – was one of the better chances of the match.
However, it was at the other end of the field, where Kisnorbo and Wielaert remained resolute in defence, that was the key focus for Kisnorbo.
“Well that-s my job – I wouldn-t be doing my job if there were goals,” Kisnorbo said.
“I-ll just try and play one game at a time and not concede any goals.”
Kisnorbo is also quickly becoming a role model for Melbourne Heart’s next generation.
“We take time out individually to just to give [our younger players] some pointers to improve their game and obviously the coaching staff do that too,” Kisnorbo said.
“We-ve got some good young players coming up so hopefully we can impress and get their chance and take it.”
