Football Australia says it expects to have a full-time Matildas coach appointed by the middle of the year and is adamant there is enough time to have the stuttering national team firing by the 2026 Asian Cup.
On the same day FA marked a year to go until the Asian Cup, the Matildas slumped to a 2-1 loss to Colombia, their third defeat in a week under interim coach Tom Sermanni.
A new coach won’t be in place for April’s home window against South Korea, with chief executive James Johnson on Wednesday confirming Sermanni would take the reins for friendlies which could also see Sam Kerr return to the national team.
It means the new manager, also charged with qualifying for and competing at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, won’t get games until the June window at the earliest.
FA board member Heather Garriock, the chair of FA’s football development committee, which is leading the recruitment process, indicated an agreement with the top candidate was close.
“Look, I think middle of the year is important,” Garriock said. “We’re in negotiations at the moment, and we’re very comfortable and confident with where we’re at.
Colombian captain Catalina Usme celebrates her winning goal in front of Emily Van Egmond and Mary Fowler. Credit: Getty Images
“We’re about to appoint our under-17s coach and under-20s coach. It’s a very exciting time, and obviously at the forefront of everything is the women’s Asian Cup and being able to be successful here on home soil.”
When asked if FA had their candidate, Garriock said: “We are in deep negotiation.
“It’s the reason why we’ve taken so long. We weren’t there to settle. We could have settled. We’re not going to settle.
“And we’ve been thorough in our process. We’ve analysed and spoken to a lot of coaches, and we’re very comfortable and confident with where we’re at.”
Johnson said on Wednesday FA were “waiting for the right coach.”
“As soon as that coach becomes available we’ll make sure the appointment is made,” he said.
Garriock echoed that sentiment, indicating the top candidate was currently contracted elsewhere.
Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni could be in the chair for a while yet.Credit: Getty Images
“Contracts have played a huge role, of course, and so therefore that’s where we’re at. That’s what we’re dealing with at the moment,” she said. “It’s world football ... the best coaches, they’re obviously coaching.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman is signed up until 2027 and led the Lionesses to a 1-0 win over Spain on Tuesday. Joe Montemurro is contracted at Lyon, while Tanya Oxtoby is leading Northern Ireland at the Euros.
“The result overnight with Sarina, she’s probably got a contract at England for the rest of her life,” Garriock joked. “But no, look – we’re going for the best. That’s all I’ll say.”
Despite the delay, Garriock, a member of Australia’s 2010 Asian Cup champion team, is adamant the Matildas will have enough time to prepare to contend at next March’s tournament, held in Sydney, Perth and on the Gold Coast.
“It’s our absolute goal to be able to lift the trophy here in Australia,” Garriock said from the Gold Coast launch.
“And so how we do it? We’re obviously preparing at the moment at SheBelieves, and haven’t won at SheBelieves against some top nations.
“However, I’m confident that with a new coach that comes in, they’ve got plenty of time to be able to be able to get the best out of these players and also have the team firing.”
Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Colombia in San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium followed a 2-1 loss to the United States and 4-0 thumping at the hands of Japan.
Frustration is understandably building among the players at the lengthy interim period, now stretching beyond six months.
Central defender Clare Hunt gave a hint at that frustration in a post-match interview.
“It’s a massive wake-up call. We’ve got 12 months,” she told Paramount Plus. “Obviously we’re looking to have a new coach come in at some point this year. Once we’ve got that surety from FA, we’re ready to go.”
On Wednesday, Wendy Bonilla’s cracking strike in the 15th minute gave Colombia the lead before Hayley Raso’s deflected strike - Australia’s only shot on target - equalised in the 69th.
But four minutes later, poor defending brought Australia undone and Catalina Usme scored the winner with a deflected long-range shot, compounding a miserable campaign. AAP
