Matildas ‘mess’: Tony Gustavsson’s reign set to end following Paris Olympics

Tony Gustavsson is unlikely to earn a new deal after his tactics and ‘disorganised’ direction were questioned during an Olympics campaign described internally as a ‘shitshow’.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is unlikely to be offered a new contract following the Olympics. Picture: AFP

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

Gustavsson’s tactics, his “disorganised” direction and dedication have been questioned during the Olympics campaign. One source said the campaign had been a “shitshow”.

Australia will face an extraordinarily tough opposition in the United States in their final pool match at Marseilles Stadium at 3am AEST on Thursday. The Matildas have notched up one win in 33 games against the Americans.

It was the USA who smashed the Matildas’ hopes of a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

The team hasn’t won silverware in 14 years and they had publicly hoped the Paris Olympics would see this drought would be broken. The Olympic medal dream is still alive – but it’s going to take a mighty effort from the side.

Several sources have described the team as being a “mess” on the field and it is understood the women have endured “disorganised direction” from the coach.

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

He apologised to the Australian public for that horror loss.

The Matildas scraped by with a heart-stopping win against Zambia, who are ranked 64th in the world. Gustavsson exuberantly celebrated that 6-5 win on the sidelines.

As the Olympics rolls on, the question is again being asked if Gustavsson is, or was, the right man for the job – and whether “his heart” is in it.

After the World Cup last year he was heavily linked to the USA job – which ultimately went to ­former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes – and also to a job in ­Sweden.

Swedish outlet Sportsbladet ­reported in November that ­Gustavsson had met with the Swedish Football Association and was one of three candidates. The job didn’t go to Gustavsson.

He has repeatedly refused to discuss his future here. Scrutiny on Gustavsson’s coaching is nothing new. Several times during his ­tenure there have been strong rumblings about Gustavsson and whether he is the best coach for the Matildas.

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 statements 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 about Gustavsson’s approach, 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. It is obvious her talents have been missed on the field.

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

After these Olympics, the results will reveal whether Football Australia did the right thing by keeping Gustavsson for these Games.