Sam Kerr and senior Matildas to help decide on new coach, as Australia lock in two games v Brazil

The Matildas are set for an epic homecoming - and it’s still unknown if they’ll have a new coach, or star captain Sam Kerr, back by then. But how much of a say will Kerr have on the former?

The Matildas are set for an epic homecoming to end the year but it remains to be seen whether a new coach will be appointed or if superstar captain Sam Kerr will be fit to take part in the four games in 10 days.

The Matildas will return to Queensland for the first time since their unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final win against France in a record penalty shootout with a two-game series against Brazil at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium (November 28) and Gold Coast’s CBus Super Stadium (December 1) before continuing on to face Chinese Taipei in Melbourne (December 4) and in Geelong (December 7.)

Football Australia CEO James Johnson is “delighted” to be bringing the Matildas back to Queensland but couldn’t confirm whether captain Kerr would be back in action by December after she ruptured her ACL in January.

The striker is back training with WSL club Chelsea but did not play in its opening match of the season.

Australia are making a return to Queensland after several fond memories during the World Cup. Picture: Adam Head

Football Australia is also still searching for a new coach after Tony Gustavsson’s contract was not renewed following the Matildas’ poor performance at the Paris Olympics.

Former Matildas coach Tom Sermanni, the last to guide Australia to a major tournament win 24 years ago, has been named in an interim capacity.

Johnson said he was in no rush and that all steps were being taken to ensure the perfect fit was found.

He said the Matildas’ leadership group, including Kerr, had been involved in conversations around what did and didn’t work with the previous coach and what they were looking for in a new boss.

“We don’t have a competitive match in terms of competition until 2026, which is when the women’s Asian Cup will be played here in Australia,” Johnson said.

“We’re in the market. We have Tom Sermanni who’s come in.

Matildas fans flock to BrisbaneÕs Riverstage to mark the end of their 2023 FIFA World Cup Campaign. Picture Lachie Millard

“He’s a safe pair of hands and has a lot of experience with this team but also with other great women’s national teams around the world.

“We are not in a rush to make that appointment. We’ll make it as soon as that person is ready.

“If that person is ready in November or December for this tournament, then so be it. If not, we are comfortable with Tommy taking the team.

“As far as Sam goes, we just want her to be healthy.

“She needs to get herself right and when she’s ready, when she’s physically ready to come back to the team, we look forward to welcoming her back.”

Sermanni, who was only named as interim coach last week, reconfirmed he was not interested in taking on the team full-time but was happy to help out for as long as needed.

He plans to hit the ground running and has locked in time to chat to all the players, including Kerr, before the next international window next month.

“The team is coming off a tournament where the results weren’t as hoped so it’s just bringing a bit of stability back now and a bit of belief back in the team, getting the team to sort of believe in themselves again and play again – get football back as the main focus,” Sermanni said.

Tom Sermanni is back coaching the Matildas.

“The second thing which is important is that the Asian Cup is here in early 2026, which will come around in the blink of an eye.

“This starting camp is the beginning of the preparation for the Asian Cup.

“The key thing is to put a team on the field that is going to win the Asian Cup. Whether that’s with the current group of players depends on how they play.”

Sermanni said there wouldn’t be widespread changes in the immediate future but he was aware of a number of A-League women’s players who deserved an opportunity in the senior national team.

“I would suggest that over my period, depending on how long it is, there will be a degree of chance but this wholesale change stuff is not realistic,” Sermanni said.

It is still unknown if Sam Kerr will feature in the Matildas’ Queensland matches. Picture: David Swift

“So it’s a question of making change and keeping stability.”

During the announcement at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday morning, a special tribute to the Matildas and their World Cup legacy was unveiled in front of fans, alumni, family and friends.

The 2.5m tall and 6m wide bronze sculpture captures the moment the Matildas scored the winning penalty in their World Cup quarter-final clash against France at Suncorp Stadium.

Located at the southern end of the stadium, it is the first to pay tribute to women athletes.

Matildas midfielder and Queensland Tameka Yallop said it was a huge honour.

“Women have contributed an incredible amount to sport in Australia and left a significant mark as they created moments like us that have united a nation,” Yallop said.

“Whether it’s Betty Cuthbert, Susie O’Neill, Cathy Freeman or more recently Emma McKeon, Jess Fox and the female athletes that accounted for over 60 per cent of our Paris 2024 Olympic medallists.

“It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport.

“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Originally published as Sam Kerr and senior Matildas to help decide on new coach, as Australia lock in two games v Brazil