- Former Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was candid in his criticism
- He advised the current athletes to ‘simply perform their roles’ as footballers
- The Matildas were unable to advance past the group stage at the Paris Olympics
Former Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has strongly criticized the current team, encouraging them to ‘simply perform their roles’ after their disappointing exit from the Paris Olympics.
This comes amid mounting criticism of Tony Gustavsson, with discontent among players describing his management as ‘disorganized chaos.’
Some players felt that under his leadership, they endured ‘four years of hell.’
‘I hesitate to blame the players, but they need to perform their roles,’ Sermanni remarked to News Corp.
‘It’s unfortunate that they [Matildas] didn’t progress beyond the group stage at the Olympics; sometimes the hype surrounding the team overshadows the reality of their capabilities.’
‘I think [Gustavsson] gets an unfair assessment; with a squad of 20 players… there will always be some who are dissatisfied with how they are utilized or not getting enough attacking play.’
‘It’s not hard to find discontent among the players.’
Sermanni also emphasized the necessity for the next coach to possess exceptional management skills, particularly in fostering standout players like captain Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler.
Tom Sermanni criticizing the current players, urging them to ‘simply perform their roles’ (pictured, Mary Fowler at the Paris Olympics)
‘These players are some of the most recognizable athletes in Australia, and managing individuals at that level requires confidence, personality, and adept management skills,’ he noted.
‘The squad needs to undergo some rejuvenation as they approach the 2026 Asian Cup.’
Prior to the Olympics in July, the Matildas participated in a demanding training camp in Spain lasting nearly four weeks.
During their initial match against Germany in Marseille, the Matildas appeared sluggish, subsequently suffering a 3-0 defeat.
They then secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over Zambia in a wild encounter, but ended their campaign with a 2-1 loss to the US.
This disappointing exit marked the Matildas’ worst Olympic performance since the 2000 Games.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson affirmed last week that the next coach is expected to have a development-focused approach, contrasting with Gustavsson’s strategy aimed at specific major tournaments like the World Cup and Olympics.
Unlike his predecessor, the next coach is also expected to reside in Australia.
Names like Sydney FC ALW coach Ante Juric and former San Diego Wave manager Casey Stoney are emerging as potential candidates to succeed Gustavsson.
