Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo says he is immensely proud of his players after the Sky Blues’ 1-0 Grand Final defeat to Auckland FC, praising the group’s remarkable turnaround to reach the season decider.
A deflected second-half goal proved the difference in New Zealand on Saturday night, ending Sydney FC’s Championship hopes in a tight and physical contest.
While disappointed with the result, Kisnorbo said perspective was important when reflecting on the club’s Finals Series run.
“Obviously the initial thought is disappointment,” he said.
“But when I rewind it back and really digest everything, it’s pretty remarkable that we ended up in a Grand Final, especially where we started and where the group was at.
“I’m very proud of the boys, the club, all the players involved and the staff.
“It hurts, don’t get me wrong, but these boys have done a really great job getting to the final tonight.”
Kisnorbo felt the match unfolded largely as expected, with Auckland relying heavily on direct football, long throws and set-pieces throughout the evening.
“It was what I thought it was,” he said.
“Set-pieces, long throws, they’re direct.
“It’s disappointing you cop a deflection and that’s the goal that separates the winning and losing.”
Despite the heartbreak, the Head Coach believes the experience will prove invaluable for Sydney FC’s younger players moving forward.
A number of emerging talents featured prominently throughout the Finals Series, with Kisnorbo confident the squad will grow from the occasion.
“A lot of players haven’t been in this position before,” he said.
“They’ve experienced their first finals campaign and sometimes you need to hurt and understand why, then move on for next season.
“They’ll be upset, but they’ll take a lot away from tonight.”
Kisnorbo dismissed suggestions the occasion overwhelmed his squad, instead pointing to Auckland’s maturity and experience in key moments.
“I don’t think inexperience showed,” he said.
“I just think physically they’re much older and they understand what it takes.
“Our boys are still learning the trade and what it takes to be successful in one-off games like this.”
The Sky Blues boss also praised goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares and his defensive unit, believing Sydney FC largely nullified Auckland’s attacking threats despite the decisive goal.
“I think generally all night we dealt with them well,” he said.
“I don’t think Harrison had to make a save and whatever cross came into the box he caught, so that’s a positive.”
Kisnorbo, who signed a three-year deal earlier this season, admitted he has already started thinking about how the club can build from this campaign into next year.
However, his immediate focus remains supporting the players after the disappointment.
“My main focus now is to speak to the players tonight, comfort them as much as possible and tell them how proud I am of them,” he said.
The Head Coach also praised Auckland boss Steve Corica following the title triumph.
“Championships are hard to win and the fact that he’s won three is a credit to him,” Kisnorbo said.
