Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo has revealed that finishing 2nd will not be his side’s mindset heading into their Anzac weekend clash at home against Auckland FC.
The Championship winner says the focus is to play well and let the rest take care of itself in their must-win game.
The 45-year-old has now overseen three Sydney FC games since returning to the Isuzu-UTE A-League and has taken two draws and a win from those matchups.
The Sky Blues now seek to finish their regular season with a bang, needing a 3-0 win against the Black Knights and for Melbourne City to prevail against Adelaide United to finish 2nd on the ladder and receive a Elimination Final bye.
“We just need to control what we do and how we go about it, and to try to perform it in the best way possible,” he said.
“[We] play the way we want to play, and I think the rest will take care of itself.
“I think we’ve improved since I’ve come [in], and the more we can do that [improve], the better it is.
“There’s obviously a lot of phases of playing in a game….it’s [about] taking our chances in the right way, in the right position of the ground, and building on that.”
Kisnorbo has notched up clean sheets in all three of his outings, the first time the side has done so throughout the season. The coach has applauded the defensive efforts of his entire side.
“For me, defending comes from the front, so everyone’s contributed to the clean sheets.
“Harrison’s done great, the back four have done great, so have the midfield and the players up front.
“Everyone’s working for each other, but it’s a great little achievement for the players.
“In all three games, we’ve improved from when we first started until now. And that’s all we will do, keep improving.”
The coach provided an important injury update on defender Marcel Tisserand (hamstring), who’s in this week’s extended squad, and winger Joe Lolley (ankle).
“They’ve been training this week, which is great news for everybody,” he said.
“Joe’s had a long injury, and Marcel having a three-week [injury].
“It’s great to have them in the squad. Great to have their quality and leadership.”
For Kisnorbo and the Sky Blues, the only way is forward as they build on what has been a strong run of form recently and aim to steal 2nd place away from Auckland FC in their Anzac weekend matchup at Allianz Stadium this Sunday, kick-off 3:00pm.
