“Bonjour a tous”.
Patrick Kisnorbo was unveiled to the media as Troyes head coach and the first Australian to coach in one of the top five European leagues made an instant impression.
With a speech prepared on Friday (Saturday AEDT), the former Melbourne City head coach introduced himself in French before fielding questions from the press following his appointment at the Ligue 1 outfit.
Kisnorbo was prised from Isuzu UTE A-League premiers and 2022-23 leaders City to sister club Troyes, who are also part of the City Football Group (CFG).
The former Socceroo will come up against Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, having been appointed by Troyes until 2025.
Kisnorbo arrives in France with a pair of A-League Men Premierships (2021 and 2022) and the 2021 ALM Championship – his attacking style of football yielding success in Australia.
It was put to Kisnorbo if he could replicate what he achieved Down Under in France, to which he replied: “Definitely.
“I’m going to play a certain way. We have this firm belief within the group and I believe in this. If Manchester City and Melbourne City can do it, Troyes can do it. But this also takes time. It’s a process.”
But with Troyes 13th in Ligue 1 and only a point above the relegation zone amid a seven-match winless run heading into the FIFA Men’s World Cup break, Kisnorbo warned the success he brought to City does not happen overnight.
“Being part of the City Football Group, we have a style of play. We introduced this in Melbourne but you must understand, it takes time,” Kisnorbo told reporters when asked about his “beautiful” football in Melbourne.
“I was there for four years. Two-and-a-half years as head coach and this style of play it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of improving everyday and eventually you get the product.”
Asked if now was a good time to arrive given Ligue 1’s hiatus due to the World Cup in Qatar, Kisnorbo replied: “It’s a good time because it gives me some time to implement things.
“It’s not a long time but starting from day one, we will work as hard as we can to improve and get better every day.”
Kisnorbo was regularly pressed on the football he will bring to Troyes, though he was unwilling to give too much away.
“I believe in the playing group and I won’t tell you too much information about how we will play but we will work hard to be our best,” Kisnorbo said.
Kisnorbo will have his first taste of Ligue 1 football when Troyes host Nantes on December 29 (AEDT).
“I have a plan in my head. We will start this on Monday. But you will see this on the 28th of December.”
Pressed on whether he will focus on defence given his experience in that position in his playing days, with Troyes yet to keep a clean sheet in 2022-23.
Only bottom side Angers (34) have conceded more goals than Troyes (31).
“We have time to analyse the situation but we will defend from the front,” he said.
Kisnorbo added: “I think there is more than one aspect in football. Obviously physical but mental and tactical. We will work on the collective to always improve.”
Having won the Liberty A-League Championship at Melbourne City before making the step to the men’s team, first as assistant and then as head coach, Kisnorbo is embarking on his maiden coaching experience abroad.
“It was an easy decision but the pressure for me, I put more pressure on myself than anyone else,” Kisnorbo said when asked if it was easy to leave Australia and whether he could handle the pressure in France.
Kisnorbo was quizzed if he ever thought about failing based on his title-laden time in Melbourne but he replied: “You must fail to grow and everyday you make mistakes but that’s how you get better. To learn.”
“I don’t look at myself. I look at how can I help the club and players achieve things at the club and for the town,” he continued.
Kisnorbo’s move to France means a reunion with former Melbourne City boss Erick Mombaerts, who now works for Troyes.
During Mombaert’s time in Melbourne, Kisnorbo served as his assitant.
Kisnorbo said: “Who would ever think a person from France and a person from Australia would have a great connection?
“So after working a long time with Erick, he became a mentor but more importantly a best friend.”
