Ellie Carpenter and Emily van Egmond said that it was exciting to be at the start of a new cycle as they prepare to play Switzerland and Germany in the upcoming international window.
They are the first two games since the side was last together at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“It’s been very nice to come back into camp,” Carpenter told media on Wednesday evening (AEDT).
“A lot of fresh new faces, a lot of new staff at the start of the new cycle.”
“It is the start of the new cycle but in saying that, the Asian Cup is just over a year away from now,” Emily van Egmond told Football Australia Media.
“The preparation going into that tournament is going to be vital. It’s a good challenge for us now as a team to regroup after the Olympics and to kind of set our goal on that 2026 Asian Cup.
“Moving ahead, it’s about getting results and continuity with the team and performing on a high standards.”
This is the first window where Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni has taken charge. He previously coached the CommBank Matildas, at a time when many of the team – including Van Egmond – were taking their first steps in international football.
24-year-old Carpenter has been impressed during her first time working under the Scot.
“[Even] with Tommy being only interim at the moment, his voice, he’s all in with us, 100%,” she said.
“I think that’s important to have that right from the get-go, and he’s going to do everything for us that he can to make us play the best football to get results.
“So I’m very impressed by him coming in and I think we’re going to work well under him.”
For Van Egmond, it feels like a “full circle” moment.
“It takes you back to years ago when he brought us all in when we were super young,” she recalled.
“So to have him again, to come full circle is really nice. It’s the start of a new cycle so we’re all excited and raring to go.”
Carpenter expected the team to be able to play with freedom under Sermanni, which would allow them to be at their best.
“Getting this group back together and getting us playing the football we’re known for, we’re good at, the Australian way, I think that’s most important,” she explained.
“These games against Switzerland and Germany are the perfect opportunity to do that. Obviously they’re great teams and for us it’s about playing with confidence, playing with freedom, and I think Tommy is going to allow us to do that.
“He’s come in, he's implemented what he thinks this team is world class at, what our strong attributes are.
“I’m really looking forward to these two upcoming games because it’s a chance for us to get back out there, represent our country, and start this new cycle off.”
Van Egmond expected to be challenged by Switzerland and Germany, but was also looking forward to enjoying those challenges in the camp ahead.
“They’ve been going back and forth with the Euro qualifiers, so they’re going to be in good form,” she said.
“Germany, we’ve obviously faced in the Olympics so we know what to expect with them. They’re a powerhouse and have been for many years in the women’s game.
“For myself, I’m coming off the back end of my season now. It’s been good to go back to San Diego, get minutes under my belt.
“Just enjoy camp, come in, and enjoy this next period.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | OCTOBER 2024 INTERNATIONALS
Switzerland v CommBank Matildas
Date: Friday, 25 October 2024 (local) / Saturday, 26 October (AEDT)
Kick-off: 8.00pm CET (local) / 5.00am (AEDT)
Venue: Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketmaster (Switzerland)
Germany v CommBank Matildas
Date: Monday, 28 October 2024 (local) / Tuesday, 29 October (AEDT)
Kick-off: 6.10pm CET (local) / 4.10am (AEDT)
Venue: Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, Duisburg
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets: DFB Ticket Portal
