Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni reveals how he plans to tackle Mary Fowler problem
Where to play football sensation Mary Fowler was a problem former Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson struggled with – interim coach Tom Sermanni is on a mission to find the answer.
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She is a once in a generation footballer with skills so versatile that coaches don’t even know how to get the best out of Mary Fowler – interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni is on a mission to solve the problem.
Fowler was named in the 23-woman squad to play Switzerland and Germany in Europe at the end of the month.
It will be the Matildas’ first camp since their disastrous Paris Olympic campaign.
Where to play the 21-year-old superstar was a problem that plagued ousted Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson – especially during the World Cup and recent Olympics.
Fowler has been used as a winger, attacking midfielder, holding midfielder and striker since her incredible efforts at last year’s World Cup.
While she has the skills to play anywhere Fowler often looks lost when placed out wide – essentially she is happiest with the ball at her feet.
Gustavsson said he planned to use her as a No. 10 going into the Olympics – right in the middle of the pitch – the key link between the midfield and the strikers.
But as their campaign crumpled Fowler was once again left playing multiple roles.
The Manchester City player is one of a handful in the current Matildas squad that Sermanni has not worked with during his previous two stints as the national team coach.
If anyone can get Fowler performing at her best in the green and gold it is Sermanni.
It was Sermanni who gave Sam Kerr her debut back in 2009 and Caitlin Foord hers in 2011.
Sermanni shied away from confirming his plans for the attacking maestro.
“I don’t actually know Mary,” Sermanni said.
“I haven’t had the chance to sit down and talk to her, to watch her play and to see what makes her tick.
“So that’s one of the interesting challenges that I’ve got ahead.
“Obviously she’s a critical player to the Matildas at this moment in time and hopefully going forward for many years.
“So hopefully I’ll know a little bit more about that after I’ve been in camp and had a chance to work with her.”
Finding her role won’t just fall on Sermanni’s shoulders. He has two new assistant coaches to help – U20s Matildas coach Leah Blayney and Jean-Paul de Marigny – the Western Sydney Wanderers assistant coach.
“After getting some feedback from quite a few people, staff and players what I felt I needed in this camp was really, strong experienced coaches, very good on the football field and someone I can relate to in football terms but among that someone that hasn’t actually been in among this group of players, so is coming in with a fresh set of eyes and fresh views on the players and the team – JP ticks all of those boxes,” Sermanni said.
Matildas will play Switzerland at 5am (AEDT) on October 26 and Germany at 4.10am (AEDT) on October 29.
Originally published as Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni reveals how he plans to tackle Mary Fowler problem
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