With the Matildas in Limbo, Squad Named for Friendlies Amid Coaching Uncertainty
Australia has just named its squad for two friendly matches against Argentina, but there’s a cloud hanging over the team. With the Matildas in limbo and only four international windows left before they host the 2026 Asian Cup, the big question remains: who will be their permanent head coach? Right now, interim coach Tom Sermanni is still in charge, and after these friendlies, only three windows will be left for a full-time boss to step in and get the team ready for a major tournament on home soil.
Friendlies Set Against Argentina with Key Players Missing
The upcoming matches will be played in Melbourne on May 30 and in Canberra on June 2. Several big names are missing, including vice-captain Ellie Carpenter and midfielder Katrina Gorry, who are both taking personal leave after long club seasons. Injuries have also ruled out goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and Tameka Yallop. Arnold, for instance, is currently recovering from an ankle injury and wearing a moon boot. On the positive side, Amy Sayer returns after bouncing back from an ACL injury, and Jada Whyman is also back in goal after being out for a while. Young talents like Morgan Aquino, Isabel Gomez, and Kahli Johnson have been called up to inject some fresh energy into the squad.
Sermanni Focused on Building Foundations
Sermanni, who’s filling in after Tony Gustavsson’s exit following a disappointing Olympics, said he was happy with the team’s effort during their recent games against Korea Republic. He praised their progress and talked about using each international window to grow the team’s identity and build chemistry ahead of the Asian Cup. Still, stand-in captain Steph Catley has admitted the team is struggling to move forward without a full-time manager, describing the current state as being “in limbo.”
Time is Ticking for New Coach
Whoever takes over permanently won’t have much time. Once you factor in travel and recovery time, the next full-time coach might only get around 12 solid training days before the Asian Cup kicks off. Former Young Matildas coach Leah Blayney explained that players often arrive just two days before matches during international breaks, making it hard to get in proper training.
Is Joe Montemurro the Answer?
All signs point to Lyon boss Joe Montemurro being the likely candidate for the top job. He’s expected to leave the French club at the end of the season, and many believe he’s coming home to take the Matildas gig. That said, if he is appointed, it will have been 15 months since Gustavsson’s departure and only five months left until the Asian Cup. Interim CEO Heather Garriock has called Montemurro Australia’s most accomplished coach, but she stopped short of confirming the hire.
More Uncertainty Around Captaincy and Finances
Garriock also mentioned that the decision about who will be captain when Sam Kerr returns from injury is up to the new coach, not the board. Meanwhile, Football Australia is dealing with its own problems behind the scenes. They’re expected to report an $8.5 million loss at the upcoming annual general meeting, marking the worst financial performance in their history.
