There’s more to the Matildas than Ellyse Perry, says new coach Alen Stajcic, who feels he can unearth the next big stars in women’s football.
Stajcic was on Monday appointed to guide the national side through next year’s Women’s World Cup in Canada and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The Sydney FC W-League coach had held the national role on an interim basis since former mentor Hesterine de Reus’ sacking in April, steering them to the final of the Women’s Asian Cup in May.
Perry, who was left out of the Asian Cup squad, has over the years become the poster girl of women’s sport, representing Australia in both cricket and football.
Stajcic, who coaches the duel international at Sydney FC, says while Perry is an amazing athlete it’s about time the spotlight was shone on the other talented players in the squad.
“We want good stories not just about Ellyse Perry, but there’s so many good stories of players who have had to work so hard to get there and the challenges they face as an elite Australian female sportsperson,” he said.
Stajcic mentioned emerging young stars Katrina Gorry and Caitlin Foord and highlighted the talent of players like Samantha Kerr, Stephanie Cately and Kyah Simon.
Stajcic was parachuted in after de Reus’ ousting amid a player revolt, and managed to guide the Matildas to the Asian Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Japan, with barely any preparation time.
The silver-medal effort lifted Australia back into the world’s top 10 and now Stajcic says the Matildas need to be matching it with the top three sides – the United States, Germany and Japan – as they vie for a deep run at the World Cup next June.
“And if we’re challenging the world’s best that will be in the semi-finals and finals of major tournaments,” he said.
“We’re nearly there at the moment but we certainly need to improve.”
The two-time W-League championship-winning coach says he’ll bring his trademark attacking football to the Matildas.
Stajcic, who admits the interim role was a bit like “minding someone else’s house”, says now he’s got the full time gig his first order of business will be to appoint the rest of the coaching staff.
He will remain at the Sky Blues for a brief transition period before World Cup preparations hot up with a Matildas camp in January.
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