Sydney FC Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes next Wednesday night’s Sydney Super Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur will provide the perfect opportunity for his players to test themselves against some of the world’s best footballers, while giving Sky Blue Members and fans a memorable occasion at Allianz Stadium.
The Sky Blues host the Premier League giants on Wednesday 29 July (7.45pm kick-off), with Kisnorbo describing the match as an important experience for his squad and another significant moment for Australian football.
Supporters are set to see some of world football’s biggest names in action, including James Maddison, Richarlison and England striker Dominic Solanke.
Fans will also witness first appearances in a Tottenham shirt of several high-profile recruits under new Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi, including Scotland captain Andy Robertson, Italian international Sandro Tonali, who joined in a deal worth around A$176.5 million, Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke (approximately A$99.2 million) and Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, whose transfer was valued at around A$162.2 million.
Kisnorbo believes the occasion will be invaluable for his players.
“I think it’s great for the players,” he said.
“They watch the players every week on television and then they have the opportunity to play against them. What a great opportunity.”
While the fixture will be a special one for the squad, Kisnorbo believes the benefits extend well beyond the dressing room, with Sydney FC Members and fans set to enjoy the rare chance to see one of Europe’s biggest clubs in action on home soil. Tickets for the blockbuster clash are still available from just $59.
“It’s also fantastic for the club and our fans to see Premier League footballers, top managers and a top team, regardless of what happened last year,” he said.
Despite Tottenham entering a new era under Roberto De Zerbi, Kisnorbo expects the visitors to provide a stern examination of his side and is excited by the calibre of opposition Sydney FC will face.
“They’ve got some great players who have come in and a great coach, so they’re exciting times for our club.”
The Sydney FC Head Coach also sees the match as another important step in the continued development of Australian football, believing opportunities to compete against elite opposition can only help raise standards across the game.
“They’re exciting times for Australian football as well,” he said.
“The more we can challenge ourselves against these teams and clubs, the better it is for us and the more we’ll improve.”
With anticipation continuing to build ahead of the Sydney Super Cup, Kisnorbo is looking forward to seeing his players embrace the challenge in front of what promises to be a huge crowd at Allianz Stadium.
“So look, yeah, it’s going to be exciting in a couple of weeks.”
