Former Melbourne City FC player and Assistant Coach Patrick Kisnorbo has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Melbourne City FC following the departure of Erick Mombaerts for family reasons.
Mombaerts will return to Europe following 14-months as Head Coach for the men’s team. Under Erick’s leadership, Melbourne City has qualified for it first ever Grand Final, achieved its highest ever finishing position, and secured a spot in the AFC Asian Champions League for the first time.
He is succeeded by the former Socceroo, who first joined Melbourne City as a player in 2013. Kisnorbo went on to become Club Captain and after retiring as a player, joined the Club’s coaching staff, first with the youth team, before leading the women’s team to 2018 Championship. He was appointed as Assistant Coach to the men’s team last year, working as part of Mombaerts’ coaching staff.
Vice Chairman, Simon Pearce, expressed the Club’s thanks to Mombaerts’ for laying the foundations for future growth and development:
“Under Erick’s guidance, we are now playing a recognisable City brand of football and one that is ingrained within the DNA of the Club.
“His dedication to the completion of that task, during COVID-19, is something we’re extremely grateful for and the onus is on Patrick and all of us to continue to build on the work that Erick has overseen.”
Chief Executive Officer, Brad Rowse, said:
“We are incredibly grateful for all that Erick has achieved and for the mentorship he has provided to Patrick. What we have achieved on the pitch in the last season with Erick at the helm has been a source of great pride, and he is loved by fans, staff and players.
“Patrick has been part of this Club for more than seven years and steps into this role at an incredibly important and exciting time for Melbourne City. All eyes are on next season and we are all ready to get to work to build on the achievements of this season.”
Director of Football Michael Petrillo added:
“Erick’s contribution is part of a multi-year football strategy that has many contributors. His part in this strategy has been invaluable and its significance will always be remembered.
“We have seen the team’s playing style transformed to a more dynamic, attacking brand of football and we are also well positioned to be able to maintain an ongoing challenge for titles.
“Patrick’s apprenticeship under Erick positions him perfectly to take us forward as we enter the next stage of the Club’s journey.”
Erick Mombaerts said:
“I am sad to leave Melbourne City in these circumstances, but I am so very proud of the players and what the Club has achieved during my time here.
“We have reached some incredible milestones, we have implemented an exciting way to play, and we have become a true family, playing together every week for our fans, and I have no doubt that Patrick will continue this work. The team is in safe hands under his leadership.
“I have had a fantastic experience in Melbourne and I will always remember my time here with much fondness, but I have been away from my family for a long time and now I must return to care for them in France.”
Patrick Kisnorbo said:
“I’m grateful to the City Football Group for their support in my development since I began my coaching journey. Erick has taught me so much and I am extremely grateful for the way he has helped both myself and the Club to develop over the last 14 months.
“Melbourne City is in my blood now and I am here to work hard, to give my all and to ensure this team continues to be a team that everyone can be proud to be a part of.”
Melbourne City FC’s Hyundai A-League side will return to training for the 2020/21 season on October 5.
