Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League coach Alen Stajcic is excited about the challenges ahead following his appointment as interim coach of the Westfield Matildas.
Sydney FC-s Westfield W-League coach Alen Stajcic is excited about the challenges ahead following his appointment as interim coach of the Westfield Matildas. His elevation was announced on Thursday after the national side parted ways with Hesterine de Reus.
Stajcic, who has won two Premierships and two Championships with the Sky Blue Ladies and guided Sydney Women-s FC to third place at the International Women-s Club Championship, will take charge of the national side for their AFC Women-s Asian Cup to take place in Vietnam starting next month.
Stajcic said he was pleased to be handed the interim role and is looking forward to the challenges ahead as he ultimately targets World Cup Qualification.
“I-m proud and honoured to do such a role at the highest level,” he said.
“I-m definitely delighted and excited and humbled to be given the chance to take the team on, it-s a big challenge for the team ahead but hopefully we can do our best in the next month, get into the best position we can and qualify well for the World Cup.”
Stajcic will take charge of the squad for the first time next week in a training camp on the Gold Coast ahead of their trip to Vietnam for the AFC Asian Cup.
“Our first camp is next week, on Tuesday,” Stajcic said.
“That will be my first time with the group but obviously I-ve spent a lot of time with various groups of players in the past and know them all very well.
“Hopefully it-s a smooth transition and we can hit the ground running on Tuesday.”
A comprehensive review of the Matilda-s program, including the Head Coach position, will be conducted after the tournament.