Melbourne City coach Patrick Kisnorbo has confirmed his team will be training on Christmas day as they look to juggle a busy festive period.
The reigning A-League Men premiers and champions were set to face Wellington Phoenix in the FFA Cup on Wednesday night before that game was postponed due to COVID precautions. They are still set to play in the league against Brisbane Roar on December 27.
City last played on Saturday night as they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
With games coming thick and fast, Kisnorbo has had to channel his inner grinch and order his players to report for a training session on Christmas day.
"They will have some time with their family...a little bit of time,” Kisnorbo said on Tuesday.
"I’m probably not the most liked person amongst the wives and kids in the group, including my own wife and kids, but we need to train.
"In the UK it’s normal. I’m not saying we’re in the UK but due to the scheduling of the games, we have no other choice.
"We can always eat at the end of the season – Christmas in May."
Andrew Nabbout ➡️ Jamie Maclaren 🤤#CmonCity | https://t.co/723SinauUH pic.twitter.com/uGcvuZydYX
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) December 19, 2021
Looking to defend two titles this campaign, Kisnorbo's side have started the new season in shaky fashion, winning just two of their first five league games to sit fifth.
The club are also reportedly on the cusp of losing star right-back Nathaniel Atkinson with a transfer to Scottish side Hearts close to being finalised.
Already five points behind early A-League Men leaders Macarthur FC, City's coach feels they are still on the right track to be title challengers once again.
"I think we’ve played really well. We need to improve in areas, which is always the case," Kisnorbo said.
"If you look at the games we have played, it speaks for itself. We’ve been very good, sometimes unlucky, sometimes a bit of naivety. You just keep trying to improve that situation and get better at it."