Matildas, Gustavsson, part ways after worst Olympics in history

After the worst Olympic Games performance in the history of the Matildas Football Australia and coach Tony Gustavsson have mutually agreed to part ways.

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson (R) and US coach Emma Hayes. Picture: AFP

After the worst Olympic Games performance in the history of the Matildas Football Australia and coach Tony Gustavsson have agreed to mutually part ways.

Football Australia confirmed just hours after the Matildas 2-1 loss to the USA left them unable to progress to the quarter finals that Gustavsson, would not be re-contracted.

The Swede’s tenure was due to expire in September.

Football Australia said it would start a recruitment process immediately.

Gustavsson informed the team he would not be returning after their campaign came to an end in Marseille.

The Matildas have parted ways with Tony Gustavsson. Picture: Getty Images

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said:

“Gustavsson has been an integral part of the Matildas journey over the past four years

“We thank him for his strong contribution, passion and commitment during that time and wish him every success for the future.

“While our Olympic Games campaign has ended, we are proud of the commitment of our players and staff. The Matildas have shown spirit and resilience throughout the qualification run and the tournament in France.

“This group of players have over the past four years made a significant impact on Australian football and we are looking forward to the next four-year cycle of the team.

A devastated Hayley Raso after the loss against United States. Picture: Getty Images

“As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will conduct a thorough review of the campaign as we do with all our national teams following the conclusion of tournaments and each cycle.

“This review will identify areas for improvement and ensure we are well-prepared for future challenges. The process for the recruitment of the Matildas head coach will also commence immediately,”

Gustavsson said it had been an honour.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to have been able to be the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years,” he said.

“This journey with the team has had many incredible moments and memories that I will forever treasure.

“Thank you to the incredible players for letting me play a small part in their stories, my staff for being beside me every step of the way, Football Australia for backing our vision for this team, the Australian football family for embracing me and the Australian public for the tremendous support.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson. Picture: Getty Images

“Australian football will be forever in my heart, and I will be watching on and cheering on your success in the future.”

Matildas next international window is in October - it is a friendly window - with not qualifications for tournaments on the line.

Their next major tournament will be the home hosted AFC Asian Cup in 2026.

Questions about Gustavsson’s methods and the team’s preparation leading into the Games have shadowed them all Olympics.

Their campaign started with a lacklustre 0-3 loss to Germany and then a scrappy 6-5 win over Zambia.

It is a big drop from their fourth placed finish in Tokyo and last year’s World Cup.

Kaitlyn Torpey and Alanna Kennedy look dejected after the loss which ended their Olympics campaign. Picture: Getty Images

Gustavsson even declared, “we weren’t ready” after their Germany game.

Gustavsson’s tenure might have finished with a sour taste but it wasn’t all doom and gloom.

The Swedish coach played a hand in some major changes to the way the national camp was run- pushing for more games against top European teams, increasing the depth and number of debutants.

The Matilda’s smashed records under his guidance/ their fourth placed finishes at Tokyo and the World Cup the team’s best outcomes at those tournaments.

Crowd attendances soared, tv ratings were broken.

There are a number of coaches waiting for their chance to bring arguably Australia’s most popular national team back to the winner’s circle- their last piece of silverware from a major tournament was 14 years ago at the 2010 Asian Cup.