Coach Patrick Kisnorbo narrowly avoids injury from stray football
- During a match on December 1, 2024, Patrick Kisnorbo nearly got hit by a stray football.
- Melbourne Victory secured a 3-1 victory against Western United at AAMI Park.
- Kisnorbo emphasized the need for his team to improve their finishing efforts despite the win.
In Australia, during a recent A-League match on Sunday, December 1, 2024, Melbourne Victory's coach Patrick Kisnorbo faced a startling incident where a wayward football came perilously close to hitting his head. The match was held at AAMI Park, where his team secured a 3-1 victory over Western United. As the new manager paced excitedly along the sidelines, he was caught off guard by the football that had been kicked towards him. This unexpected moment not only surprised Kisnorbo but also stunned fourth official Lachlan Keevers, who witnessed the event unfold. Despite the near miss, Kisnorbo remained focused on improving his team's performance, noting the need for more ruthlessness in their finishing in the final third. His comments came after a solid win, where goals from Nikos Vergas and Bruno Fornaroli helped ensure a successful outcome for the Victory, alleviating any immediate selection headaches he might have faced as a coach. The match also featured a brief period where Western United managed to equalize through Noah Botic, but the Victory bounced back in the second half to secure their lead and the win. The result marked another highlight in Kisnorbo's early days as a coach, showcasing both his team's resilience and the excitement of the match atmosphere. The incident involving the football went unnoticed by Kisnorbo in the heat of the moment, prompting commentary on the unexpected nature of such occurrences in sports. The commentators provided an amusing take on the situation, suggesting that Kisnorbo might have confused the flying ball for a seagull, typical of those found around AAMI Park. Following the game, United's coach John Aloisi expressed disappointment in his team's efforts, indicating they needed a stronger fight to match Victory's intensity. He reassured fans, however, that they would demand improved performance in the next match. This incident highlights the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic nature of live sports events, where even coaches can find themselves at risk, underscoring the dynamic and often intense environment of the A-League. It also serves as a reminder of the critical role of focus and awareness during fast-paced moments on the sidelines. With weeks of the season ahead, both coaches will be looking to refine their strategies to ensure they can capitalize on opportunities and enhance their teams' performances as the competition continues. The close call for Kisnorbo could serve as a motivational reminder for him and his players about the importance of vigilance and readiness during the game.