A bombshell report detailing “disorganised chaos” inside the Matildas camp has emerged just hours after it was confirmed head coach Tony Gustavsson’s contract would not be extended.
On Thursday, Football Australia (FA) ended months of speculation, announcing Gustavsson’s four-year tenure would end after the Swede failed to steer the Matildas out of the group stage at the Paris Olympics.
It represents the first time in 24 years Australia has failed to make it to the knockout stage of the Games.
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The 50-year-old confirmed the end of his contract by “mutual agreement” with a statement less than 10 hours after the US all-but ended the Matildas’ Olympics medal hopes in the early hours of Thursday morning by sealing a 2-1 win.
“It has been a great honour and privilege to have been able to be the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years,” the 50-year-old wrote.
“This journey with the team has had many incredible moments and memories that I will forever treasure.
“Australian football will be forever in my heart, and I will be watching on and cheering on your success in the future.”
However, The Australian reports that Gustavsson lost the playing group long ago, with several players describing his tenure privately as “four years of hell”, citing several sources close to the players.
The paper also reports players were “puzzled” by some of the head coach’s tactics during the Olympics campaign, and last year’s Women’s World Cup in which the team placed fourth.
The outlet reports those around the team credited their success in 2023 to a “strong team effort” guided by Sam Kerr’s leadership.
Gustavsson does deserve credit for turning Clare Hunt, Cortnee Vine and Kyra Cooney-Cross into mainstays of the Matildas set-up and backing Mackenzie Arnold as his first-choice goalkeeper.
However, those success stories are tempered with concerns over his over-reliance on Australia’s golden generation, his inability to broaden the team’s depth, and the fact the Matildas have struggled to develop a discernible style to match it with the world’s best.
“It was four years with a taxi driver in the seat of a Formula One racer,” one high-ranking football official told The Australian.
Gustavsson did not relocate to Australia during his tenure as Matildas boss and it is yet to be seen if FA will make that a prerequisite for any of his prospective replacements.
FA chief executive James Johnson has said a “thorough” review of the Olympic loss would be undertaken.
“As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will conduct a thorough review of the campaign as we do with all our national teams following the conclusion of tournaments and each cycle,” Johnson said.
“This review will identify areas for improvement and ensure we are well-prepared for future challenges.
“The process for the recruitment of the Matildas head coach will also commence immediately.”
– with AAP