Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced it had commenced the process to appoint a new coach for the Matildas.
A panel of leaders across football and women’s sport will work with FFA to identify the next coach over the coming weeks and have the new person in place for the upcoming Cup of Nations tournament in Australia and to lead the Matildas to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
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The panel will comprise FFA’s Head of National Performance Luke Casserly, former Matilda Julie Murray, current Australian women’s Cricket Head Coach Matthew Mott and Darlene Harrison, Deputy Director, Performance People and Teams at the Australian Institute of Sport. The panel will make a recommendation to the Board.
FFA Chief Executive Officer David Gallop AM said finding the right candidate from a football and cultural perspective was paramount.
“It is important our next Matildas coach has a proven record of success and is aligned to our national playing style as well as being an ambassador for the game in Australia.
“As we approach an important time for the women’s game in our country with the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France later this year and a bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, it is our role to appoint a coach who understands the cultural behaviours and responsibilities that comes with this position, as well as having the highest football credentials to successfully manage the team on the pitch.
“I’ve spoken to our players and despite the circumstances, they are now focused on winning and building a culture of excellence that future generations of Matildas will benefit from.
Gallop added “As I said to the players at the workshop in Sydney this week, we want a coach who they are excited to play for and who they will learn from.
"Playing in a World Cup is a wonderful chance for them as a team but also as individual players they are in the shop window of world football and we want a coach who will give them every chance to shine”.