Marcel Tisserand has arrived in Sydney and while the weather hasn’t quite been what you see on the post card, the central defender is feeling the love from his new team mates as he settles into life in Australia.
On First Impressions of Sydney
“Today was a little bit of a change for me,” Tisserand admitted with a smile as the rain tumbled down behind him.
“In Saudi we trained in the evening, here it’s in the morning, so that’s something new to get used to. But I’m happy to be here, to meet the team, the coach and the staff. It’s a good first step.”
Currently based in a nearby hotel, the Congolese international said settling into Sydney life had been smooth: “It’s close by, only five minutes away, so not far at all.”
On Fitness and a Return Date
Although Tisserand won’t feature in this weekend’s Cup clash against Auckland FC, he was positive about his recovery.
“I feel good, but I still need a little bit of time. I had an injury at the end of last season, so I need to work my way back before being fully part of the team. I’ll start my first steps with the group in the coming days, and I expect to be ready in a few weeks.”
Tisserand went under the knife 5 months ago when his hamstring tore off the bone so he is slowly easing back into it, and with the A-League season not starting until October, he knows there’s a window to build fitness
“We have a little bit of time. Maybe I can be back to help in the Cup, but for now I’ll follow the program the club made for me and focus on being 100%.”
On Sydney’s Defensive Record
Asked whether he was brought in to solve Sydney’s defensive frailties of recent years, Tisserand was philosophical.
“Maybe, maybe. But I think it’s not only about defenders. It’s more a philosophy. I think the team learned a lot from last season, and I believe it will be better.
“I’ve already watched videos, seen training, spoken with the coach — and I see the mentality. We want to improve defensively, of course, but also to score more goals because the aim is to win.”
On Expectations and Experience
The 31-year-old arrives with a strong CV, having played in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, Turkey and most recently Saudi Arabia — where he came up against global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Firmino.
“I will try my best to bring the level I had last season,” he said. “But it’s also a new league for me, and I want to learn. Everywhere you go, you need to learn. Saudi was one league, Australia will be another. Let’s see.”
Facing football icons was a valuable education though, he added.
“Big players like Ronaldo and Firmino — they’re still very smart. In the box, they’re incredible. If you lose focus just once, they punish you. It was a great experience.”
On His Welcome and Settling In
While there hasn’t yet been a traditional team initiation, Tisserand felt quickly embraced.
“Maybe in a few days we’ll organise something, but the important thing now is the next game. The players are focused, and I want to be close to the team as soon as possible.”
On His Monaco Academy Generation
Tisserand was part of Monaco’s famed academy that produced stars such as Bernardo Silva and Kylian Mbappé.
“Yes, we still keep in touch. Mbappé, Falcao, Éric Abidal, James Rodríguez… we had great times together, won the league together. Those are memories we’ll always share.”
With a grin, he even teased the future: “Maybe they’ll join me in a few years, who knows?”
On International Football
Finally, he confirmed that his international career with DR Congo is likely behind him.
“I’ve been focused on club football for some years now. I already played 10 years internationally, including youth and senior level. Since moving to Saudi, my focus has been on club football.”
Match Details
Sydney FC v Auckland FC
Hahn Australia Cup Quarter Final
Saturday 23rd August 2025
Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, NSW
Kick Off: 7:30pm AEST
Gates Open: 6:30pm AEST
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
