Tom Sermanni named Matildas’ interim coach as hunt for Tony Gustavsson’s successor continues

The Matildas’ most successful coach is back, at least for a short stint, stepping into the void left by Tony Gustavsson after his post-Olympic exit.

The Matildas most successful coach is set to make a comeback, at least for a short stint, as the national women’s team interim coach.

Tom Sermanni, who was at the helm for a total of 12 years over two stints, is the last coach to lead the Matildas to a piece of silverware at a major tournament – the 2010 Asian Cup.

Football Australia are on the hunt for a permanent coach after Tony Gustavsson’s contract was not renewed following the team’s worst Olympic performance in 20 years.

Gustavsson had been at the helm for four years – taking the team to the Tokyo Olympics and a historic fourth placed finish at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Sermanni, currently the head of Women’s Football at Western Sydney Wanderers, played a huge role in shaping the Matildas current squad giving the likes of Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso, Steph Catley and Emily van Egmond their debuts.

He was also behind centre back Clare Hunt getting her call up to the Matildas squad prior to last year’s World Cup.

Tom Sermanni has already coached the Matildas for 12 years across two stints. Picture: Bruce Thomas

“It’s an honour to return to the CommBank Matildas, even in this interim capacity. I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of players and helping to ensure a smooth transition as Football Australia continues its search for a permanent head coach. My immediate priority is to prepare the team for the upcoming international window,” Sermanni said.

Sermanni told CODE Sports that he was only taking on the interim role and had not applied for the permanent position.

Since departing the Matildas Sermanni has worked with the Canadian women’s national team during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, coached NWSL side Orlando Pride and the New Zealand women’s team for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Tokyo Olympics.

Sermanni won’t be coming in to the job out of touch – he travelled to France and was in the grandstands during the Matildas’ Olympic campaign.

Post their much earlier than expected exit from the Games and the sacking of Gustavsson – Sermanni fired up at the Matildas attitude.

“I don’t want to get into the players – but go out and just do your job,” Sermanni told CODE Sports in August.

“It’s disappointing that they didn’t get through the group, unfortunately the hype around the team sometimes overshadows the reality of what the team can achieve.”

Sermanni said the next coach of the Matildas needs to have the ability to manage high profile players.

Tony Gustavsson’s contract was not renewed after a disappointing Olympic campaign. Picture: Pascal Guyot/AFP

Football Australia CEO James Johnson made it clear he would not rush the search for a new coach – with a positive result at the 2026 Asian Cup his main focus.

The Matildas are due to play Germany next month. Johnson said Sermanni’s task was to prepare the squad and ensure cohesion and competitiveness is maintained.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom (Sermanni) back to the CommBank Matildas program,” Johnson said.

“With over three decades of football experience in Australia and internationally, his extensive knowledge of the global women’s football landscape, the local Australian game and his previous success with the team make him the ideal candidate to guide the Matildas through this transitional period.”

“We are conducting a thorough and comprehensive search for our next permanent head coach. Tom’s appointment allows us the time and space to make the right decision for the long-term future of the CommBank Matildas’ program, while ensuring our team remains in capable hands for the upcoming international fixtures.”

Sermanni will take a leave of absence from his role at WSW to focus fully on the Matildas.

The Matildas will play travel to play Olympic bronze medalists Germany on October 29 - their second match of the October window is yet to be confirmed.

They will be back in Australia for a two-game series with Chinese Taipei in December.

Originally published as Tom Sermanni named Matildas’ interim coach as hunt for Tony Gustavsson’s successor continues