Aussie Legend Eyes Matildas Job: Football Australia Close to Naming New Coach
Football Australia says they know who they want as the next Matildas head coach. But since that person is still under contract with another team, they can’t announce it yet. Legend’s Shock Bid for Matildas Job.
ICYMT: Biggest Motivation for Salah
In other news, Aussie soccer legend John Aloisi’s name has popped up as a possibility, along with Joe Montemurro, who many thought was the frontrunner.
The Matildas have been struggling lately, playing poorly in friendlies and having a bad SheBelieves Cup. They seem lost without a permanent coach. It feels like forever since Tony Gustavsson left in August. His time had ups and downs, like getting to the World Cup semi-final but then being knocked out early at the Olympics.
But it’s not just about winning or losing; it’s how they’re playing.
Matildas’ Problems blamed on Long Coach Search
Former Matilda Ashleigh Sykes isn’t happy about how long it’s taking Football Australia to find a coach. She said on Optus Sport’s Women’s Football Wrap that the uncertainty is hurting the team. It’s been about nine months since interim coach Tom Sermanni’s last game, and they still don’t have a permanent replacement.
I think it’s because they don’t have a manager right now, Sykes said, stressing how important leadership is before the AFC Asian Cup next year.
We knew it would take a while to find a new coach, but it’s taking way longer than expected. The Matildas need someone to lead them.
Sykes said Sermanni did a good job bringing in new players, but they need a coach for the long haul to give them motivation and a clear game plan. They’re bringing in new players, but without a plan, it’s hard to get better.
Montemurro and Aloisi Possible Coaches
Joe Montemurro, who coaches Lyon (one of the best women’s teams), is still a hot name. Besides Emma Hayes, he was the last coach to win the Women’s Super League (WSL) title. Even though Lyon hasn’t been great in Ligue 1 or the Champions League this season, and they’re out of the domestic cup, he’s still a good choice for an international coaching job.
Football Australia board member Heather Garriock hinted they’ve already picked their next coach, so Montemurro might be the favorite. CEO James Johnson said they’ll announce it when their pick becomes available.
We’re talking, that’s why it’s taking so long, Garriock said. We didn’t want to just pick anyone. Contracts are the reason for the delay, and that’s what we’re dealing with.
John Aloisi, who coaches Western United in the A-League, is also under contract. Aloisi played 55 games for the Socceroos and helped Australia get into the 2006 World Cup. Legend’s Shock Bid for Matildas Job.
Sykes thinks Aloisi would be a good fit for the Matildas. It’s cool that they might have someone lined up. Everyone’s talking about Joe Montemurro, but Aloisi is also a good pick, she said.
He knows a lot about both men’s and women’s soccer. He gets the culture and knows what it takes to win as a national team player—I’d be happy with him.
Matildas’ Next Games
The Matildas will play South Korea in two friendlies in April. The AFC Asian Cup is coming up soon, so getting a permanent coach ASAP is super important for the team’s preparation. Legend’s Shock Bid for Matildas Job.
