Melbourne City will usher in the Patrick Kisnorbo era tomorrow night when they travel to face the Brisbane Roar tomorrow night.
City, who made their first Grand Final last season were defeated in heartbreaking circumstances against Sydney FC which was the final game in charge for outgoing Erick Mombearts.
Kisnorbo, who was his assistant last season is “excited” to step into his shoes as he aims to take his charges to the promised land.
“I’m excited,” Kisnorbo told the media on Monday.
“Obviously it’s been a long pre-season and it’s been a good one but tomorrow we play our first game so I’m excited to get things underway because we have waited such a long time.”
Initially, City were to open their campaign in a Grand Final rematch against Sydney FC in Kogarah but due to Sydney’s COVID-19 cluster the game was postponed.
Kisnorbo described the situation as “not ideal” but conceded it has to be expected due to the turbulence the pandemic has caused worldwide.
“This is the way the world is at the moment so we try to adapt as best we can and prepare as best we can for Brisbane,” Kisnorbo said.
“There is nothing much we can do about the situation.”
City’s opponents, Brisbane have been tipped to drop down the table this season after making the finals last year.
However, when these sides last met in Redcliffe, City dropped a 3-1 advantage and lost 4-3 something Kisnorbo said the squad will have to learn from.
“We will respect Brisbane Roar because they are a good side with good players and a good coach,” Kisnorbo said.
“I think the lesson is learned for 90 minutes you have to stay in the game and concentrate you can’t take things for granted,
“Knowing the way Brisbane play, they’re a good team we will respect them from what they are.”
City will have a full squad to choose from when they take on the Roar with Kisnorbo stating there were no absentees of note with the likes of Aiden O’Neill, Andrew Nabbout and Ben Garrucio expected to feature.
Melbourne City’s W-League side will also be in action tomorrow as they kick-off a double-header at Redcliffe against the Roar.
Rado Vidosic’s side will be looking to win their fifth W-League crown in six attempts and have added significant quality with the likes of Alex Chidiac, Emma Checker and Jenna McCormick joining the squad.
Vidosic conceded the former will be unavailable for the contest as she is still in hotel quarantine.
“We are hoping she is going to be a game changer,” Vidosic said.
“Someone who could do something for us and be a creator and a finisher.”
