Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes his young Sky Blues squad will learn valuable lessons from their defeat to Melbourne City, insisting his side must become more clinical after a dominant first-half display.
The Sky Blues impressed for large periods of the contest, particularly in the opening 45 minutes, but two costly errors proved decisive as City capitalised on their opportunities.
Kisnorbo was disappointed his side couldn’t turn their promising performance into a positive result but believes the experience will help his developing squad as the A-League season progresses.
“I don’t think it got away from us. I think we made two mistakes and that cost us,” Kisnorbo said.
“We had a couple of chances to score. In games like that, you need to know how to win and learn how to win, especially with the dominant first-half performance.
“But it’s disappointing because I think they’re two errors that really shouldn’t happen.”
With a youthful squad coming up against a Melbourne City side boasting significant A-League and international experience, Kisnorbo acknowledged there would inevitably be difficult moments as his players continue their development.
“I think it’s a bit of everything,” he said when asked about nurturing his young squad.
“With a young squad, they’re going to have to learn, and maybe this will hurt. But it’s part of what it is.
“We’re hurting today, but it’s a difficult situation when you know you could have done better.”
Despite the defeat, Sydney FC again showed encouraging signs going forward, creating opportunities and looking dangerous in attacking areas.
However, Kisnorbo believes improving the final pass and making better decisions in crucial moments will be essential if the Sky Blues are to turn promising performances into victories.
“We had a couple of good chances. Even in the second half, maybe a pass was underhit or overhit. That’s the difference at the moment,” he said.
“That’s what we have to learn from, get better at and improve.
“Things like that really hurt you in games like this, especially against a team that’s got a lot of experience.”
One player who continues to excite is young attacker Akol Akon, whose pace, creativity and willingness to take on defenders have provided a spark for the Sky Blues.
Kisnorbo is determined to allow the youngster the freedom to express himself while helping him develop the decision-making required at A-League level.
“I think in attack, you’ve got to let him go. He’s a creative player, so you’ve got to let him go,” Kisnorbo said.
“It’s just about helping him in the game. We need him to keep it simple, and he will learn to make decisions under pressure.”
With just three rounds of the new campaign completed, Kisnorbo remains focused on the work ahead and believes continued improvement on the training pitch will be key to his side’s progress.
“I think the more we’re in those positions, the more it helps,” he said.
“But again, that’s for us to work on the training pitch and show the players the way to improve.”
The Sky Blues will now look to take the lessons from their Melbourne City encounter into their next A-League fixture as Kisnorbo continues to build a squad capable of competing with the competition’s best.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
A-League Men 2026/27 MW4
Friday 6th November 2026
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:40pm AEDT
Gates Open: 6:30pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
