Alen Stajcic primed to take over Mariners after Matildas sacking

The Mariners have pulled a rabbit from the hat by installing Alen Stajcic until the end of the season. And the sacked Matildas coach has made it clear that he wants

Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has been introduced as the new Central Coast Mariners coach. Picture: Richard Dobson

• Analysis: Not even Mourinho could save the Mariners
• Stajcic’s shock new gig a Matildas circuit breaker

Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic insists that his only emotions are enthusiasm and anticipation, after dramatically being given the chance to return to coaching at the elite level less than two months after getting sacked from the Matildas.

One of the A-League’s most surprising appointments was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon when Stajcic was unveiled as caretaker coach of the Mariners, given six games to restore some semblance of pride to a squad that is rock bottom of the A-League.

It also provides Stajcic with a remarkably quick return to the game, and with the opportunity to restore the shine to his reputation after the controversy over his exit from the women’s national team.

Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic is poised to take over at the Mariners. Picture: Richard Dobson

Insisting that coaching a men’s team would be no great issue after a career built largely in the women’s game, Stajcic insisted he could see huge potential in a Mariners squad that has won only once this season and conceded 13 goals in its past two games.

The Mariners’ new boss addressed his players on Tuesday after watching them train, with only three sessions before his side meets Newcastle in the F3 derby on Saturday.

Different times... Not long ago Stajcic was facing the cameras after being axed as Matildas coach. Picture: Brett Costello

But Stajcic insisted the only thoughts in his head were focused on the footballing needs of a side shorn of any confidence and facing questions over their long-term future.

“Everyone’s got their own motivations but for me to drag any of my past into this scenario would be wrong,” he said.

“There’s a group and there’s a club here that really needs to focus on what it needs to deliver moving forward for the short term. There’s a big challenge here to try and pick this club up and really give the fans hope, give the players hope and really set a good foundation.

“So for me to drag my baggage into this environment really wouldn’t be productive. I’ve got to clear my mind coming in. I’ve been really, really excited by meeting the players and meeting the staff and seeing the enthusiasm that they have.”

Stajcic will have three sessions with the Mariners before they play Newcastle in the F3 derby. Picture: Getty

Inevitably Stajcic was asked about the practicalities of coaching a male team, after being so identified with various women’s teams over the past two decades.

“I’ve coached boys at Hill Sports High School for 10 or 12 years and it’s not exactly the same thing,” he said.

“But I’ve been involved as a player in men’s football my whole life and watching the Socceroos from the time I was seven eight years old.

“So for me it’s not about coaching males or females, or Mariners, or boys or girls. It’s about coaching footballers, and I see a great football team here with a lot of potential and that’s the thing that we have to focus on rather than gender or age or other factors.”

Stephen looks dejected last week’s hammering at the hands of Wellington. Picture: Getty

Some might question the potential Stajcic has identified, given the long-term nature of the Mariners’ negative results, but he defined “success” in the six games left of the season as more than just results.

“It’s a good question - for me the signs of success are the club having stability and harmony and a platform to build on for next year,” he said.

“That’s really the key. The results may come and go but really the platform needs to be built to be able to have a successful you next year and moving forward.

“For me having a successful Central Coast is vital for the A-League.

“I think there’s so much potential in this group as I see it and the results speak for themselves. To be leading nine times at half time of 21 matches isn’t a fluke.

Mike Mulvey was given the boot after the heavy defeat to Wellington. Picture: Getty

“It’s not three matches, it’s not two matches, they’ve been leading at half time in nine matches out of 21. That means there’s a capability and capacity there to match any team in this league.

“When you see a number like that, and it’s not reflected in the end result, it’s not related to ability, that’s related to other factors. And they are the factors that we have to unlock in this team in the short term and hopefully, let’s say, build a platform.”