Patrick Kisnorbo Appointed as Sydney FC Head Coach — patrick kisnorbo Steps In After Talay Exit
patrick kisnorbo has been appointed head coach of Sydney FC with immediate effect to lead the club for the remainder of the Isuzu-UTE 2025–26 season, after Ufuk Talay and the club agreed a mutual termination of his contract. The change comes as Sydney prepares for the final four matches of the regular season and the upcoming A-League Finals Series. The club said the move is part of a strategic review to position the team for future domestic and continental ambitions.
Patrick Kisnorbo takes charge immediately
Sydney FC confirmed head coach Ufuk Talay will depart effective immediately, bringing to an end a tenure of nearly two and a half years. The club has appointed Patrick Kisnorbo to lead the team for the remainder of the Isuzu-UTE 2025–26 season, and kisnorbo will assume control as the Sky Blues face four remaining regular-season fixtures and the A-League Finals Series.
Club chairman Dr Jan Hendrik Voss described the appointment as part of a broader strategic process to identify a head coach for 2026/27 while ensuring competitiveness this season. Sydney sits fifth with four matches remaining; those fixtures include an away trip to Brisbane, an away derby with the Wanderers, and home games against Perth and Auckland. The board said the hire is intended to stabilise performances and prepare the squad mentally and physically for every game.
Immediate reactions from club leaders and the coach
Dr Jan Hendrik Voss, Sydney FC chairman, said: “The board are delighted to welcome Patrick Kisnorbo to Sydney FC. Patrick is a highly regarded coach having won the A-League Championship and back-to-back Premiership titles. Recently, the club has been undergoing a strategic review process to identify a Head Coach for season 2026/27 to meet our ambitions of playing AFC Champions League Elite, winning the Premiership, Championship and the Australia Cup. ”
patrick kisnorbo said: “I am delighted to be joining Sydney FC. This is a club with a proud history and high expectations, and there is a real opportunity to achieve something special this season. Our focus is to build consistency in our performances and to have the squad mentally and physically prepared for every game. ”
Departing head coach Ufuk Talay thanked the club and its supporters: “I would like to thank everyone at Sydney FC for the opportunity to lead this great club. It has been a privilege to work with the players, staff and wider organisation, and I am grateful for the support from the Members and fans. I wish the club every success for the future. ”
Quick context
The club said the appointment of Patrick Kisnorbo fills the role while the board completes a strategic review to select a head coach for the 2026/27 season. Kisnorbo’s recent record includes A-League success and managerial roles overseas; the club emphasised his championship and back-to-back premiership achievements as key credentials for the interim appointment.
What’s next
Effective immediately (ET), patrick kisnorbo will manage Sydney FC through the final four regular-season matches and into the A-League Finals Series while the club continues its selection process for 2026/27. The next immediate developments will be how the squad responds under the new coach in the upcoming fixtures and how the board concludes its strategic review and decides on long-term leadership.
