In short:
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson says current Matildas will be consulted as the search begins for a new head coach.
Tony Gustavsson left the role after a disappointing exit in the group stage of the Paris Olympic Games.
What’s next?
Former San Diego Wave coach Casey Stoney and Sydney FC mentor Ante Juric appear to be potential contenders.
Matildas players, including injured captain Sam Kerr, will be consulted by Football Australia (FA) in the crucial search for the team’s next coach.
Two weeks after Tony Gustavsson’s departure, FA has started the recruitment process for the coach to lead Australia through the next cycle, including the home 2026 Asian Cup, the 2027 Women’s World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
“We need the players involved. That’s important,” FA chief executive James Johnson told AAP.
“The players don’t make the decisions. We make the decisions.
“But I think the more we can understand the players’ perspective of what went well and what didn’t go well, what they want to maintain, what they don’t (the better), and then it’s for us to decide how much of that is relevant.”
There is no firm deadline, but FA hopes to have Gustavsson’s replacement settled within the next couple of months.
Former San Diego Wave coach Casey Stoney and Sydney FC mentor Ante Juric appear to be potential contenders, while Joe Montemurro is unlikely to be in the mix given he has just started at Lyon.
Getting the best out of 30-year-old Kerr will clearly be crucial.
When asked if the consultation process would include Kerr, who hasn’t been involved with the team since tearing an ACL in January, Johnson said: “Of course. I’m in touch with Sam as we speak.”
Johnson previously consulted senior players after Ante Milicic’s departure in 2020.
He pointed to Gustavsson taking Australia to unprecedented Women’s World Cup and Olympics semifinal berths as evidence of its value.
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AAP
