Milicic to pilot 'big journey' for Westfield Matildas with fresh ideas

Ante Milicic believes his fresh ideas and experience provide the Westfield Matildas with the best possible preparation for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Milicic is no stranger to the international spotlight, having served as an assistant to the Caltex Socceroos at two men’s FIFA World Cups.

This wisdom will help guide Australia’s road to France 2019 and when the tournament commences in June.

But first up for the former Australian international is next week’s Cup of Nations, as Milicic prepares to meet his charges and build momentum on home soil.

“I’m coming in with fresh ideas, with no preconceived thoughts,” he said.

“I’ve been around Australian sporting teams for a while now and I know what the environment needs to be.

“I know how we need to prepare for a World Cup. I will use all the experience that I’ve gained over the years and I’ve got no doubt at all that once we start working from Saturday onwards, that we’ll be so focused on this World Cup, we’ll block out anything from the outside.

“We’re very determined to do well and I’ve got a lot of respect for these women.

“They’re gonna be focused and it’s a big journey and I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

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Australia entertain Korea Republic, New Zealand and Argentina in the Cup of Nations, a six-match tournament which sees the Westfield Matildas travel to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

A fresh, exciting start is the feeling ahead of next Thursday’s opening match up against New Zealand, and Milicic believes Australia have a great chance to express themselves across the series.

“It’s a work in progress – we’ll get better,” he said.

“The players will get to know me and I’ll get to know them. But it’s a good opportunity for the players to express themselves.

“We’ve got three good games and three good opponents and then looking forward after that in April we go to the U.S.

“I’m very comfortable with the program we’ve got in place and at the same time we’re already ready looking into what’s going to be done before the World Cup in France in June.

“Players will be fighting for spots and its good opportunity now for players to show their credentials.”

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