Sydney FC have parted ways with Head Coach Ufuk Talay effective immediately, with Championship winning coach Patrick Kisnorbo taking charge until the end of the season.
The decision to part ways with Talay comes after the club suffered back-to-back losses at the weekend following their 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle Jets.
Talay departs the Sky Blues after two-and-a-half years in charge at Sydney FC, with Sunday’s result leaving them sat fifth on the ladder – 10 points behind leaders Newcastle and six points ahead of seventh-placed Central Coast Mariners who have a game in hand.
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A former Sky Blues player, Talay was handed a new one-year-contract heading into the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season but has been linked with a move to fierce rivals Western Sydney Wanderers in recent weeks when his contract was due to finish at the end of the season.
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Taking over for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign will be Kisnorobo, who won both the Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership and Championship during his time in charge of Melbourne City.
“The board are delighted to welcome Patrick Kisnorbo to Sydney FC,” said Sydney FC Chairman, Dr Jan Hendrik Voss.
“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.
“We have made the decision to bring in Patrick as the Head Coach for the remainder of this season whilst we continue that process.
He added: “I would like to thank Ufuk for his hard work, dedication, professionalism, passion and commitment that he brought to Sydney FC.”
Kisnorbo said he is extremely excited by the opportunity to lead the Sky Blues.
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“I am delighted to be joining Sydney FC,” said Kisnorbo, who has also coached Melbourne Victory and the A-League Men All Stars.
This is a club with a proud history and high expectations, and there is a real opportunity to achieve something special this season,” said Kisnorbo.
“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 for their trust and support.
“I would like to thank everyone at Sydney FC for the opportunity to lead this great club,” he said.
“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.”
Kisnorbo will take charge with immediate effect as Sydney FC prepares for the final four matches of the regular season.
Next up for the Sky Blues is a clash with Brisbane Roar on Thursday, April 2 following the completion of the upcoming FIFA International break.
