Superstar Mary Fowler defends the Matildas’ Paris Olympic work ethic

Accusations of “pampering” were thrown at the Matildas following their disappointing exit at the Paris Olympic Games.

Mary Fowler has defended the Matildas’ Paris preparations following their Olympic flop earlier this month.

Coming off fourth-placed results at both the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the 2023 World Cup on home soil, members of the popular Australian team spoke publicly of their medal hopes in France.

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It loomed as a tough task, however, after the Matildas were drawn with powerhouse the United States, world No. 4 Germany and Zambia in Group B.

A wild 6-5 win over Zambia, along with defeats to America and Germany — the eventual gold and bronze medallists respectively — raised serious questions over Australia’s commitment to the cause amid suggestions the team was too “pampered”.

As you can see in the video player above, Football Australia chief executive James Johnson hit back hard at those assertions after the Matildas were knocked out in the first round.

The United States beat Australia in their Group B clash. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“This narrative of pampering is very disappointing to hear,” he said.

“We’re very proud of the environment that we’ve set up for the Matildas, they’re not being pampered, they’re being treated like professionals.”

Fowler attended a press conference in Perth on Tuesday ahead of her club side Manchester City’s appearance in the International Football Cup alongside West Ham, Leicester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

And the 21-year-old was bombarded with questions about Australia’s disappointing Olympic campaign.

“I think we definitely worked as hard as we could to prepare for the tournament,” Fowler said. “I think sometimes football just doesn’t go your way.

“Being at home and having that home advantage, it’s very different playing a home World Cup (compared) to being overseas.

Fowler defended Australia’s preparation for the Olympics. Photo: Michael Klein

Australia's lone victory at the Olympics came against Zambia. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)

“Sometimes things don’t go your way and we definitely reflect on that as a team and I’m sure the girls have done that individually as well.”

The results dropped Australia three places to 15th in the FIFA rankings and also ended Tony Gustavsson’s four-year run as Matildas coach.

Football Australia said it would take time appointing Gustavsson’s successor and Fowler had little insight to offer when asked about the coaching situation.

“I actually don’t know,” she said. “I haven’t really paid much thought to it.

“I’m very focused on just what I can control and what I do as a player.

“I feel we all really want to win something with the national team.

“Having another opportunity to do that, I think a lot of us will work for the next year and a bit to try and get it done.”

Fowler is representing Manchester City in Perth this week. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

The Matildas have another huge opportunity to secure some silverware when Australia hosts the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.

That tournament also serves as the final qualifying stage for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Asked if the issues with the Matildas in Paris were more technical or psychological, Fowler said there was plenty to learn heading into future games for the national side.

“It was probably a bit of both,” she said. “From a personal level, I definitely reflected on how I was mentally.

“It was a different kind of pressure than I’ve dealt with before.

“(But) it’s kind of nice to have those experiences and know that next time when you get into that same situation, you will be able to deal with it better.”

Manchester City open the Football Cup against Leicester City at HBF Park on Wednesday night, with West Ham taking on PSG the following night before a double-header on Sunday.