Melbourne City captain Scott Jamieson isn’t surprised A-League Men’s double-winning coach Patrick Kisnorbo is being linked to the vacancy at fallen English giants Sunderland.
The League One outfit sacked Lee Johnson on Sunday, a day after a 6-0 thrashing by Bolton Wanderers left them third on the ladder in their fourth-straight season in England’s third tier.
Kisnorbo is one of several names that has been linked to the position, including former Manchester United and Ireland captain Roy Keane.
The prospect of the 40-year-old becoming Australia’s latest coaching export isn’t a shock to Jamieson however, given Kisnorbo’s impact since taking over from Erick Mombaerts in 2020.
“Having been in the game a long time, it’s speculation and you kind of get used to it albeit it’s a bit bigger than a player because it’s the coach,” Jamieson said.
“We’re not naive to know that he’s going to get interest because he’s done well but speculation is speculation and we can’t do anything about it.
“If I was him, I’d take it. It’s a massive job and I’m sure it’s a great opportunity.”
The former Socceroos defender is familiar with English football having spent a decade in the United Kingdom during his playing career that included stints at Leicester and Leeds.
Speaking ahead of City’s ALM clash with Perth Glory on Sunday, Kisnorbo distanced himself from the Sunderland talk, insisting his focus was solely on his current job.
“I didn’t know about anything. A lot of people started ringing about the scenario but as it stands I’m still the coach of Melbourne City and concentrating on today’s training,” he said.
“I have a contract here … I want to fulfill that contract. Whatever is in the background or whatever I can’t control that.”
