Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson addresses coaching future amid Sweden speculation
Matildas Tony Gustavsson has been forced to issue a statement after being caught up in a situation likened to the Wallabies’ Eddie Jones saga.
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Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has reaffirmed his commitment to Australia’s Paris Olympic Games campaign despite speculation he has interviewed for Sweden’s men’s team head coaching position.
Gustavsson said he remains “fully focused” on helping Australia qualify for the Paris Games but did not deny reports he’s one of the three leading contenders to replace outgoing Sweden coach Janne Andersson.
“I’m passionate about the CommBank Matildas and, as I have stated before, I’m fully focused on qualification and participation at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Gustavsson said in a statement.
“Our team’s journey towards this goal is my primary focus and commitment.”
The Swedish media report named BK Hacken boss Per-Mathias Høgmo and IF Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin as the other two candidates for the vacancy, with the Swedish FA hoping to name Andersson’s successor before January.
Gustavsson, who is Swedish, is contracted until the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics and while his discussions with Sweden has been likened by some to the outrageous situation where Wallabies coach Eddie Jones spoke with Japan on the eve of the Rugby World Cup, Football Australia are at ease with how this process is playing out.
While Jones was reportedly talking with Japan just a few months into a five-year contract, Gustavsson’s deal is due to expire and he is free to canvass job opportunities beyond his existing deal with Australia.
The Matildas have yet to open negotiations with Gustavsson to extend his reign with Australia, after he helped guide the team to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals earlier this year.
Gustavsson was previously linked to the vacant USA women’s position, since awarded to Chelsea boss Emma Hayes.
Gustavsson and the Matildas have openly spoken about the unfinished business of the Olympics in Paris with neither rushing into future contract negotiations.
“Tony Gustavsson is currently under contract with Football Australia as the head coach of the CommBank Matildas, with his tenure extending until the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Football Australia said in a statement.
“Football Australia highly value his contributions to the team’s journey and achievements so far.
“We are aware of speculations about Tony Gustavsson and the Swedish men’s national team. Football Australia, however, does not comment on speculative reports or our staff’s potential future engagements outside their current contracts.
“Regarding the future of Tony’s contract post the Paris 2024 Olympics, discussions will be held at an appropriate time in the future, adhering to our standard procedures.
“Football Australia’s immediate priority is the strategic preparation to qualify and participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Football Australia aim to approach this and all future competitions with thorough planning and focused execution.”
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