- Players from the Matildas reportedly won’t miss coach Tony Gustavsson
- Some members of the team described his tenure as ‘four years of hell’
- Gustavsson has mutually parted ways with Football Australia
Several Matildas players have expressed their dissatisfaction with Tony Gustavsson, describing his time in charge as ‘four years of hell.’
This follows the team’s failure to surpass the group stage at the Paris Olympics, marking their lowest achievement since the year 2000.
Following their loss of 2-1 to the USWNT on Thursday, Gustavsson and Football Australia mutually agreed to part ways shortly thereafter.
‘It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years,’ he remarked in a statement.
‘This journey with the team has included many incredible moments and memories that I will always cherish.’
‘I am grateful to the wonderful players, Football Australia for their support of our vision, the Australian football family for their warm welcome, and the public for their tremendous backing.’
Nonetheless, reports indicate that Gustavsson had lost the backing of the team for some time and won’t be mourned by many of the key players.
Many viewed his strategies as questionable, with one player referring to the Swede’s tactical execution as ‘disorganized chaos.’
Angry Matildas players have turned on Tony Gustavsson, labelling his tenure in charge as ‘four years of hell’
It comes after the Matildas failed to progress beyond the group stage at the Paris Olympics, their worst result since the 2000 Games (pictured right, defender Ellie Carpenter)
Alarm bells began to ring at the Olympics in Paris after the Matildas were blitzed 3-0 by Germany in their group opener (pictured)
Some players felt they had endured ‘four years of hell’ with Gustavsson at the helm.
Reports from News Corp suggest players disregarded Gustavsson’s directives during the World Cup on home ground last year, instead relying on Sam Kerr’s leadership from the sidelines.
Before the Olympics in July, the Matildas participated in an intense training camp in Spain lasting nearly four weeks.
In their opening match against Germany in Marseille, the Matildas appeared sluggish, ultimately losing 3-0.
With Football Australia announcing a thorough review of the issues faced at the Games, further changes may be on the horizon.
The review will likely focus on the team’s high-performance system, especially regarding player fitness and conditioning.
In their pursuit of gold in Paris, no effort was spared by Football Australia—the squad had access to a private plane, luxury accommodation, and over 20 contracted staff.
However, after allowing 10 goals in three matches, the players must also accept some responsibility as they prepare for the Asian Cup on home soil in 2026.
In the meantime, current Sydney FC ALW coach Ante Juric and former San Diego Wave manager Casey Stoney are among the early candidates to replace Gustavsson.
