Sydney FC head coach Patrick Kisnorbo has dismissed claims new signing Jacob Farrell has picked up an injury but was tight-lipped when it came to discussing the future of experienced defender Marcel Tisserand.
Farrell was left out of the squad for the opening night draw with Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium.
Initially reported as having a groin injury, Kisnorbo was asked how long his new signing was likely to be sidelined for when speaking at his post-match press conference on Friday night and was quick to dismiss any talk of an injury.
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“He didn’t have an injury,” Kisnorbo said when asked about Farrell, who is on loan at the club from English Championship side Portsmouth FC.
“It’s us rebuilding him from where he’s come from. Obviously, he’s come from England, and I’m sure he had his frustrations there and not being able to keep fit.
“He’s actually not injured. We demand a certain way here, and where he needs to be. And, you know, he’s close, but not close enough yet.
He later added: “You’ve got a guy that’s missed a lot of football, so you know part of us is wanting him to be there. We also need to do the right thing by the player and not be selfish and look after him as a human, you know.
Jacob Farrell (L) whilst on loan at the Wanderers during the 2025/26 season
“He’s just not where I need him to be at the moment, which he knows that. But again, he’s okay.”
Another absentee from the squad was 33-year-old defender Tisserand.
The former DR Congo international hasn’t featured for the club during any of their pre-season matches, with speculation the central defender has actually retired from professional football, albeit no official announcement has been made.
“We’ll have to see about that,” Kisnorbo said when asked if Tisserand would be considered for inclusion anytime soon.
Pushed for an answer as to what, if any, injury Tisserand was carrying Kisnorbo didn’t give much away with regards to the former AS Monaco man’s availability.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 14: Marcel Tisserand of Sydney FC warms up before the round 17 A-League Men match between Sydney FC and Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium, on February 14, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
“You’ll have to ask the medical staff, but for me, it’s what we can do to help him get better and sort of build him to where we need him to be.”
Asked specifically if the defender had retired, Kisnorbo said: “[That] didn’t come from my mouth. Maybe yours, but not me. I haven’t said anything.”
Following Friday night’s opening round draw the Sky Blues now turn their attention to Matchweek 2 where they’ll host Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium.
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