Aussie legends in the mix as contenders for Matildas coaching job analysed
The ongoing search for a new Matildas coach has been a recurring topic as potential contenders are appointed to other international positions while Football Australia (FA) takes its time to secure its preferred candidate.
This month, Matildas star Steph Catley admitted that the team has been "in limbo" since Tony Gustavsson's departure last August, and with the Asian Cup being hosted Down Under next year, time is ticking as the coach search drags on.
Despite the need for stability, FA seems happy to allow homegrown talent to slip through its fingers, losing the skills and expertise of local coaches to rival nations, which begs the question: Do the Matildas have something up their sleeves?
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Caitlin Foord of Australia Matildas. Getty
Last week, assistant coach Melissa Andreatta jumped ship to take over as head coach of the Scottish national team. In January, Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney joined Japan's ranks as an assistant coach.
FA CEO James Johnson previously confirmed that the governing body had narrowed down its list of preferred candidates but acknowledged that many top coaches were under contract.
Joe Montemurro, who has emerged as a leading contender for the job, is currently contracted as the Olympique Lyonnais Féminin coach.
Alongside Montemurro, a surprise name in Socceroos legend John Aloisi has been thrown into the mix, with ex-Matilda Ashleigh Sykes backing the current Western United Men's coach.
"He's (Aloisi) a very knowledgeable coach in the women's game as well as the men's game. I think he's a great shout," she told Optus Sports' Women's Football Wrap.
"He understands the culture, understands what it takes to win as a national team player — I think I could get on board with that (appointment)."
Western United head coach John Aloisi. Getty
Wide World of Sports takes a look at the leading contenders for the vacant Matildas coaching gig and the reasons for FA's delayed decision.
Joe Montemurro
Although he has not backed down when asked about the opportunity to lead the Matildas, Montemurro has been frank about his respect for his current contract with Lyon.
Montemurro signed a two-year contract last June.
Head coach of Olympique Lyonnais Joe Montemurro. Franco Arland/ UEFA via Getty Images
Ante Juric
Ante Juric was highlighted early in talks for the top job, but his contract extension to continue as manager for the Sydney FC women's side has firmly scrubbed him out of contention.
He has worked closely with several members of the Matildas squad, including Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord and Cortnee Vine, but is unlikely to leave the helm of his A-League team as he is looking to build a "dynasty of success".
Sydney FC head coach Ante Juric of looks on. Ayush Kumar via Getty Images
Tom Sermanni
Interim coach Tom Sermanini returned to the Matildas' coaching ranks in September on the basis that FA would grow its search for interested coaches globally. However, nine months later, he is still mentoring the group.
Sermanni will continue as the stand-in coach for the Matildas' upcoming two-match series against Argentina beginning next month.
Ange Postecoglou
He is currently in charge of Premier League team Tottenham but is reportedly facing the axe, and it could happen as soon as Friday.
Archie Gray of Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou. Getty
Postecoglou coached the Socceroos from 2013 to 2017 and has since gained valuable experience with big clubs in Europe.
If he is dumped by Spurs, Football Australia could come knocking with a Matildas offer.
Directionless Matildas
The issues plaguing the Matildas' set-up do not stop at the senior team.
Both the Junior and Young Matildas were without a permanent coach for several months, and the governing body is without a technical director of women's football after the position was not renewed at the end of last year.
Leaving both the pathway sides without coaches left a gaping hole in the entire program before Michael Cooper and Alex Epakis were announced in March alongside FA's new 'Team of Coaches' initiative.
The initiative aims to develop the next generation of coaches on Australian soil by engaging four leaders currently involved in the A-League Women in the national team environment.
The inaugural four coaches include Melbourne City assistant coach Melissa Barbieri, Southern Districts Soccer Football Association technical director and coach Catherine Cannuli, Central Coast Mariners coach Emily Husband and Western United coach Kat Smith.
With FA willing to invest in local coaches, a future link between the female coaches and the head coach position with the Matildas may be more aligned than first thought.
