Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes the Sky Blues’ clash with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur will prove invaluable for both his squad and Australian football, after his side showed encouraging signs despite defeat on penalties in the Sydney Super Cup with the match finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Facing one of Europe’s elite clubs provided the perfect benchmark ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Kisnorbo adamant the occasion delivered far more than just a pre-season spectacle.
“To play against players like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our game and our players to understand what it’s like in Europe,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s pointless. We need funding and help for our game so we can get more nights like this—for the supporters, for the players and for the clubs. We don’t need division, we need help to grow the game.”
Kisnorbo praised Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, describing the Italian as one of football’s great innovators.
“He’s a special person, an innovator of the game—a genius, to be honest. We’re very lucky just to spend a hello and a goodbye with someone like that. What a man, what a great man.”
On the pitch, Kisnorbo felt Sydney FC grew into the contest after weathering an early wave of pressure from the Premier League side.
“Our start wasn’t great. There were too many silly turnovers and against teams like this you can’t afford that,” he admitted.
“But as the game went on, I thought we built ourselves into it. In the second half we tried to control the game more and showed the personality to take the ball in dangerous areas under pressure.”
Rather than focusing solely on the result, the Head Coach viewed the evening as another important step in his side’s preparation for the Australia Cup Round of 16 and upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League season.
“For us it was about working on things we can take into the season and the Cup, and trying to put that together against a world-class outfit.”
New signing Takahiro Sakino made an immediate impact by finding the net on his home debut, leaving Kisnorbo pleased with both his finish and his physical output.
“Great for him. He’s not even fully fit yet and the fact he could get through 60 minutes at that level was excellent,” he said.
“It’s great to have him in the squad with his experience and quality, and now it’s time for him to push.”
The match also provided another opportunity for several young midfielders to test themselves at a high level following the departure of Paul Okon-Engstler who made the switch to the German Bundesliga a week ago.
While refusing to guarantee places, Kisnorbo said the experience would accelerate their development.
“What I want to create is competition. They’ve understood the fitness levels you need to play at the highest level. There were some good moments and some not so good moments, but they’ll learn from that and get better.”
Kisnorbo also revealed the squad’s demanding pre-season made the collective performance even more pleasing.
“We’ve had a hard month, so I think everyone played their part and did well.”
The Sky Blues will learn their fate in the Hahn Australia Cup Round of 16 tonight as the draw will be made following the final Round of 32 clashes.
