A permanent coach would help Matildas in lead-up to Asian Cup says Kaitlyn Torpey, Sam Kerr gives squad boost

The Matildas’ match on Monday is expected to be Tom Sermanni’s last as interim coach and Kaitlyn Torpey thinks the resolution of a permanent national coach can help the squad improve.

The players are well aware they have plenty to improve on before the Asian Cup but Matildas’ defender Kaitlyn Torpey said a number of the issues just couldn’t be resolved without a permanent coach.

It is expected that Monday’s game against Korea Republic will be interim Matildas’ coach Tom Sermanni’s last.

Joe Montemurro has been linked to the job as has John Aloisi and Tanya Oxtoby.

Montemurro is one of the favoured contenders for the Matildas’ head coaching job. Picture: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images

It is expected Tom Sermanni’s interim tenure as Matildas’ coach will end on Monday. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Torpey said the team hadn’t been given any indication about the coaching situation.

“I have no idea, honestly, we’re just focusing on the game and focusing on the preparations,” she said.

“It’s a bit tough but it is a core group and it is kind of player led at the moment which is what we are wanting. I think it is going to bring us closer.”

Chemistry is the number one thing Torpey said the team needs to work on – especially with a growing number of new faces in camp.

Kaitlyn Torpey of Australia controls the ball under pressure from Korea Republic’s Choo Hyojoo. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“There’s a few (other) things, obviously it’ll be easier when we get a permanent coach and get some tactics that we can look forward to and get ready for the Asian Cup,” Torpey said.

This camp was also Torpey’s first with Sam Kerr.

The Portland Thorns defender said it had been an exciting experience.

“She’s really laid back and, I think it’s just a good vibe to have,” Torpey said.

“You can see the girls are really close with her, and she can float around to anyone and have a really good conversation.

“I think for us young ones, it’s someone we can learn off.”

In the off-season Torpey made the move from San Diego Wave to Thorns – linking up with Matilda’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Torpey playing for the Portland Thorns in March. Picture: Soobum Im/Getty Images

Arnold wasn’t available for Friday night’s game after picking up an arm injury at training. It has not been revealed if she will be available for selection on Monday.

“She’s one of my really good friends now, and it makes it easier coming into these environments when you have someone like at club as well,” Torpey said.

“Hopefully she won’t be out for too long, but these things happen in football.”

The team were given a day off for recovery on Saturday and will regroup for another pre-match training session in Sydney on Sunday before heading to Newcastle.

Torpey said the focus was very much on delivering another winning performance.

“(Korea Republic) were quality,” Torpey said.

“They’re very organised and very structured so they’re a really good side and it was good we got the win.”

Originally published as A permanent coach would help Matildas in lead-up to Asian Cup says Kaitlyn Torpey, Sam Kerr gives squad boost