A-League Rivalry Heats Up as Sydney FC Faces Melbourne Victory
The A-League’s most intense rivalry is set to reach a boiling point this weekend when Sydney FC takes on Melbourne Victory in a crucial elimination final. This match, held at AAMI Park, promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the season, with fans from both sides eagerly awaiting the showdown.
Sydney FC’s interim coach, Patrick Kisnorbo, will return to AAMI Park for the first time since his departure from Melbourne Victory. His presence has sparked significant interest, as he is seen as a polarizing figure among Victory supporters. Kisnorbo, who previously led Melbourne Victory, was not well-received by some fans when he took over as head coach in 2024. However, his tenure saw the club reach the Australia Cup final before he left for a coaching role in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos.
Kisnorbo has addressed the perception that he was eager to leave Melbourne Victory, insisting that he did not want to depart but felt it was necessary to take the opportunity in Japan. His stint in Japan was short-lived and unproductive, leading him back to Australia where he recently took on the role of interim coach at Sydney FC.
This weekend’s match will mark Kisnorbo’s first encounter with Melbourne Victory since his return, as the team is now coached by his former assistant, Arthur Diles. The matchup has generated a lot of excitement, with players and fans alike anticipating the clash.
Victory skipper Roderick Miranda acknowledged the significance of the game, stating that while the history between Kisnorbo and the club is notable, the focus should remain on the competition itself.
“Nobody was expecting that for sure,” Miranda said. “But in the end, it’s one more game. I think the occasion is bigger than any kind of playing against a former coach or former team. I think just the Big Blue speaks for itself.”
Miranda emphasized that the players are focused on winning the game rather than dwelling on past relationships. He noted that football often presents opportunities for coaches and players, and while Kisnorbo chose to move on, the team has moved forward.
“He’s a great coach with an amazing CV… but in our minds, we need to win the game to keep going through the finals,” Miranda added.
Sydney FC skipper Rhyan Grant also downplayed the significance of Kisnorbo’s history with Melbourne Victory. He admitted that he had even forgotten about the brief stint the coach had with the club.
“It doesn’t really add anything for us in terms of obviously his history with them,” Grant said. “But the club’s history with Victory and myself – there’s a lot of big games, big finals series.”
Grant, who scored in Sydney’s grand final win over Victory in 2017, is eager to defeat his old rivals once again. He believes that the intensity of the rivalry adds value to the finals series.
“It’s always nice beating Victory, whether you’re playing during the season or in a final series,” Grant said. “Hopefully we turn up and put in a good fight and get a satisfying win down there over a big rival in front of their fans.”
