Paris Olympics 2024: Matildas’ organisation described as ‘sh*tshow’

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson’s reign as coach will end after this Olympics, but questions have been raised about his management of the team in France.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson’s reign as coach will end after this Olympics, but questions have been raised about his management of the team in France, which several sources close to the team have described as a “shitshow” at times.

Football Australia are yet to publicly say if his contract will be renewed but signs are unlikely he will be offered another deal.

Gustavsson’s tactics, his “disorganised” direction and dedication have been questioned during the Matildas Olympics patchy campaign.

Australia will face an extraordinarily tough opposition in the United States in their final pool match at Marseille Stadium. The Matildas have notched one win in 33 games against the Americans.

It was the US that smashed the Matildas’ hopes of a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games.

Australia hasn’t won a major title in 14 years and has publicly declared that Paris is where they hope the drought would be broken.

The Olympic medal dream is still alive, but it’s going to have to take a mighty performance from the side.

Tony Gustavsson Matildas Olympics camp has been described in non-flattering terms. Picture: ery Hache / AFP

Several sources have described the team as being in a “mess” on the field and it’s understood the women have had to endure “disorganised direction” from the coach.

Gustavsson, a charismatic and energetic character, off the field has also contradicted himself at times. On the eve of Australia beginning their Olympic campaign he described the team as “ready to go” and after the 0-3 loss to Germany he said “we weren’t ready”.

He apologised to the Australian public for that horror loss.

They scraped by with a heartstopping win against world No. 64 Zambia. Gustavsson exuberantly celebrated that 6-5 win on the sidelines.

As the Olympics roll on, the question is again being asked if Gustavsson was the right man for the job – and whether or not “his heart” is well and truly in it.

Since the World Cup last year he has been heavily linked to the US job, which ultimately went to former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, and to a job in Sweden.

Tony Gustavsson giving instructions to Hayley Raso in match against Zambia. Picture: Valery Hache / AFP

Swedish outlet Sportsbladet reported last November Gustavsson had met with the Swedish Football Association and was one of three candidates for the role vacated by Janne Andersson. The job didn’t go to Gustavsson. He has repeatedly refused to discuss his future here.

Gustavsson all but confirmed he knew his tenure was over in the lead up to the shambolic Zambia game.

“As a coach right now being in the middle of the tournament it is not about Tony and his future it is all about these players and this team and performance,” Gustavsson said.

“I’ve said it before the tournament and I’ll say it again as of now the contract ends after the tournament and everyone knows that.

“I’m making sure that I embrace every single moment with this team because it’s such a privilege and we have some players that have announced their retirement and we know that this is their last tournament as well.

“So for me it is more about making sure that we embrace every single moment of it.”

Scrutiny on Gustavsson’s coaching is nothing new. Several times during his tenure there have been strong rumblings about Gustavsson and whether or not he is the best coach for the Matildas.

Sam Kerr’s presence is being sorely missed from Matildas camp. Picture: Izhar Khan / AFP

In November 2022, the Matildas had a dire record of 13 losses in 26 games with just eight wins on this watch.

Back in July 2023, there were public calls by the likes of former Socceroo Robbie Slater – citing Gustavsson’s odd selection choices and management of Sam Kerr’s injury – that if the team did not get through the knockout rounds of the World Cup then he must go.

Despite the doubts Gustavsson’s way, the players rolled on but often looked to their captain Kerr for sound advice during the tournament.

Kerr, who had a calf injury and sat on the bench, often took on an unofficial role of captain-coach and many say it was she who “drove” the Matildas to fourth place in the World Cup. She actively mentored those who needed it and was there on the bench giving guidance when there was none coming from elsewhere.

Her absence is being felt in France.

Kerr has not been invited into Australia’s Olympic camp, and her relationship with Football Australia is at an all-time low, and it is obvious her supreme talents have been missed on the field.

When the Matildas step onto the field at Marseille Stadium, if the night doesn’t go their way, and they lose badly, it could pose as Gustavsson’s last dance.

After these Olympics, it will be told via the results, whether or not Football Australia did the right thing by keeping Gustavsson as coach for these Games.