The A-League All Stars Men have found a star to sit in the dugout for their match against Newcastle United, with ex-Melbourne City boss Patrick Kisnorbo set to lead the outfit in the match in Melbourne.
The former South Melbourne defender (2000-2003) will return to manage in Australia for the first time since leaving Melbourne City in 2022 for French Side ES Troyes (where he coached until his sacking last December).
The 18-time Socceroo oversaw remarkable success with Melbourne City, winning the 2017-18 championship with its women’s team and back-to-back premierships (2020-21, 2021-22) and a championship (2020-21) with its men’s side.
Kisnorbo will be tasked with equipping the best of the A-League’s talent pool to try emulate his prior successes, with the opposition this time being Premier League side Newcastle United.
Alongside Kisnorbo as his assistant coaches for the game will be Newcastle Jets manager Rob Stanton and Adelaide United assistant coach Mark Milligan.
The former Melbourne City boss will also be joined by another former South Melbourne player in the coaching staff, current Western United goalkeeping coach Michael Theo who will serve in the same role for the All Stars Men.
Kisnorbo expressed excitement in leading the A-League All Stars Men as head coach, saying:
“I can’t wait for this challenge and to be working with the best of the A-Leagues again. We’re assembling a very talented squad, and I think they’ll put on a great show and push Newcastle United all the way.”
The squad will meet up in Melbourne next week on Tuesday 21 May ahead of the fixture.
The event is part of the Global Football Week Melbourne, which will also include Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side squaring up against Newcastle United on Wednesday 22 May, 7.45pm at the MCG.
The other fixture will see the very first A-League All Stars Women face powerhouse Arsenal Women FC on Friday 24 May, 8.05pm, at Marvel Stadium, which will take place directly after the All Stars Men game at the same ground at 5.05 pm.
All matches will be telecast in Australia live and free on 10 Bold and streamed exclusively on 10 Play and Paramount+.
