Football Australia won’t rush into Matildas coaching decision, prepared for interim scenario

Football Australia is prepared to appoint an interim coach for the Matildas’ October friendly against Germany if required, as they continue their search for Tony Gustavsson’s replacement.

The Matildas will return to action against the world No.4 at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena in Duisburg on October 28 (local time).

Germany beat the Matildas 3-0 in Australia’s group-stage exit at the Paris Olympics.

Chief executive James Johnson has been consistent FA is willing to wait for the best possible candidate to take Australia to the home Asian Cup in 2026, the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

“We’re still in the process. We’re monitoring the markets. We’re talking to a number of coaches at the moment,” Johnson said on Wednesday.

“And the focus right now is heading into the next window for the Matildas.

“If we don’t have a coach by that point, we, of course, need to appoint an interim coach, but time is on our side.

“Our next competitive match isn’t until Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 so when it comes to Matildas coach, it’s about getting the right coach, as opposed to trying to rush a decision.”

Johnson wouldn’t be drawn on whether current assistant and U23s coach Mel Andreatta will be the interim coach.

The likes of Casey Stoney, Ante Juric and Ross Aloisi are among those likely to be in contention for the full-time role.

But Johnson wouldn’t be drawn on whether the FA is closer to a shortlist, only saying FA was “well into the process”, with plenty of interest in the job.

“Yes, (I’ve been fielding interest from) calls, emails, LinkedIn, it’s a very popular position in world football, I would say so,” he said.

“Yes, there’s a lot of interest in this role. And we’ve just got to sift through the people that are available and make sure that that person can deliver on what we want.”

The review into the disastrous Olympics campaign is already under way with Johnson in contact with players.

“We’re in dialogue with the players and that’s healthy,” he said.

“We are a player-centric organisation and we want to make sure that we’ve got different touch points with the players.

“That’s important for us. It’s a culture that we want.

“But ultimately when it comes to decisions of FA they sit with the federation, but those decisions are taken knowing how the players feel about certain issues.”