Matildas' players were "shellshocked" by the abrupt sacking of coach Alen Stajcic on Saturday.getty images
Australia’s preparations for the Women’s World Cup have been "rocked" with the sacking of coach Alen Stajcic, with Football Federation Australia announcing his departure on Saturday, according to Hardik Vyas of REUTERS. Stajcic, who took charge of the Matildas in '14, guided the team to the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup and the same stage at the Rio Olympics the following year. The decision to terminate Stajcic’s contract came after the FFA conducted an internal survey of players and staff, "followed by a supplementary review carried out by women’s rights group Our Watch." FFA CEO David Gallop said, "The ultimate responsibility for driving change and leading a high-performance environment that puts the team in the best possible position to achieve what they are capable of, rests with the head coach. We no longer have confidence that Alen is the right person to lead the team and staff" (REUTERS, 1/18). The AAP's Ben McKay reported Gallop will address the "shellshocked" Matildas squad on Monday as "fallout" from Stajcic's sacking sends the national women's team "into crisis." Striker Sam Kerr encapsulated the mood of a number of players on Sunday when she said that she was "shocked and upset" by the coach's dismissal. It will be the fourth-straight World Cup where Australia's head coach has been replaced "within months of the tournament." Stajcic was sacked after two "confidential culture reviews." Precisely what prompted the second review is a "tightly guarded secret." It is understood that neither Stajcic himself, or the Matildas coaches or players, have been "made aware of the precise allegations." Matildas have been told by the FFA "not to speak about Stajcic's removal." One player said, "We're all very confused and can't believe it. We're heading into camp tomorrow and want answers. But I can't talk to you about it." Others took to social media to express their support for the coach who lifted Australia to its current World No. 6 ranking. Kerr "broke her silence" on Sunday. She said, "My trust was in Staj to lead us to the World Cup final & I believe he was the best coach for that. Thankful for everything his done for me and the team." Veteran striker Lisa De Vanna posted a cryptic animated message with a woman exclaiming "the lies, the lies" (AAP, 1/20). In Sydney, Dominic Bossi reported the head coach of Arsenal's women's team is "emerging as the primary target" of FFA to replace Stajcic. Joe "Pepe" Montemurro, one of Australia's most-decorated coaches in women's football, is "understood to be in FFA's crosshairs," with the organization weighing up a "major move" to sign the coach directly from Arsenal. It is understood FFA did not have a replacement for Stajcic in mind before it decided to terminate his contract (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 1/20).
