Ex-Melbourne City mentor Patrick Kisnorbo appointed as coach of A-League All-Stars

After a rough spell in France, a former A-League title-winning coach has secured an “All-Star” job.

Patrick Kisnorbo will coach the A-League All-Stars. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Former title-winning Melbourne City boss Patrick Kisnorbo has been named as coach of the A-League All-Stars team meeting English Premier League outfit Newcastle United on Friday week at Marvel Stadium.

Kisnorbo, 43, guided City to the A-League championship in 2021 as well as two premierships.

He left City in November 2022 to take charge of French club Troyes.

However, he was sacked 13 months later after Troyes won just three times in his 40-match tenure.

Despite his poor record in France, Kisnorbo remains in high regard in Australia and has been linked to A-League coaching jobs next season.

Ex-Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo will take charge of the A-League All-Stars. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I can’t wait for this challenge and to be working with the best of the A-League again,” the former Socceroos defender said of his All-Stars appointment.

“We’re assembling a very talented squad, and I think they’ll put on a great show and push Newcastle United all the way.”

Thus far only two players – Bayern Munich-bound teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda and Western United’s Brazilian playmaker Daniel Penha – have been confirmed as members of the All-Stars squad.

Kisnorbo’s All-Stars coaching staff will consist of Jets mentor Rob Stanton, Adelaide United assistant Mark Milligan and Western United goalkeeper coach Michael Theo, who won five A-League championships during his decorated playing career.

The All-Stars-Newcastle battle is part of Melbourne’s “Global Football Week” that also includes a match between the A-League All-Stars women’s team and Arsenal as well as Newcastle’s clash with the Ange Postecoglou-coached Tottenham Hotspur.