Sydney FC has put its faith in “proven winner” Patrick Kisnorbo.

Appointed coach in March for the rest of the season following the departure of Ufuk Talay, former Socceroos defender Kisnorbo on Tuesday signed a three-year deal with the Sky Blues.

The Sydneysiders had been expected to hire a foreign coach, and interviewed several candidates from overseas.

However, they have settled on A-League title-winning mentor Kisnorbo, who is unbeaten in his seven games in charge of Sky Blues.

It’s a run that has secured Sydney a spot in Saturday night’s grand final at Go Media Stadium against Auckland FC.

Kisnorbo is totally focused on the immediate task of guiding the Sky Blues to a sixth A-League championship.

However, he’s also thankful that Sky Blues officials have shown enough faith in him to offer him a long-term contract beyond this season, regardless of this weekend’s result.

“This has come in a very busy week, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity given to me by the club,” Kisnorbo said on Tuesday.

“Me signing here for the next three years is a fantastic testament to the club’s belief in myself and the team,”

“It’s a nice day for me and my family. I’m very lucky to be thought of in this regard.

“When I first came here seven weeks ago, this (new deal) was never a thought at all. It was just how I could improve a squad and get them believing in themselves again, and the club was very good in terms of giving me what I needed to get the players to here.”

Sky Blues chairman Dr Jan Hendrik Voss said Kisnorbo's appointment was a reflection of the club’s “long-term ambitions to bring sustained success”.

“Patrick has impressed us enormously throughout the review process and during his time at the club,” Voss said.

“He is a proven winner, he understands the A-League competition, and the Australian and Asian football landscape.

“He has already demonstrated he can lift standards, performances and belief across the football club.

“We believe Patrick has the qualities to bring silverware to Sydney FC, and we are looking forward to the grand final on Saturday.”

While having enjoyed title success in Australia with Melbourne City, Kisnorbo has also had failed coaching stints in Japan (Yokohama F, Marinos) and France (Troyes).

“You learn every day. I make mistakes every day, I’m not perfect, and that’s the way to learn,” said the 45-year-old mentor, whose previous A-League stint was a short spell with Melbourne Victory in 2024 in between his jobs in Europe and Asia.

“I’ve always wanted to get better. Learning can be good, and learning can be bad, but there are always ways to improve.”