FFA chief David Gallop has cautioned against a caustic re-opening of wounds in the wake of the Matildas’ limp World Cup exit, which will be the subject of another review.
The black shadow that has accompanied the Matildas for months has been the tenure of Alen Stajcic.
First while he was in the job, where murmurs of discontent
Then when he was dismissed, a process which FFA hopelessly bungled to the detriment of the team and Stajcic himself.
It didn’t dissipate as Ante Milicic took over the reins, even though the former Socceroos assistant was able to win over the players with his brand of coaching and gameplay.
Now Gallop and others worry that the Matildas’ Round of 16 loss to Norway – their first exit before the quarter finals in 16 years – will see another ugly slanging match.
Matildas players and staff have been subjected to vile abuse on social media in the wake of the sacking, including homophobic attacks like the ones highlighted by captain Sam Kerr.
Additionally, Stajcic and his family have been attacked by those who incorrectly believe he was sacked for something nefarious, beyond the toxic culture alleged by FFA.
“There has been much discussion about the decision to change the coach,” Gallop said.
“It goes back to what we said at that the time. We believed change was necessary to give us the best chance to perform at the World Cup. We do not resile from that position.
“But now, with the World Cup campaign over it is the right time to conduct a review.”
There in fact will be two reviews; an independent look at FFA’s handling of the Stajcic sacking, and an internal review of the Matildas performance.
The two issues will bleed together, though it’s still a touchy subject for the Matildas.
On Sunday morning (AEST) after the Norway loss, and for the umpteenth time, a player batted away the notion that Stajcic’s sacking had made a negative impact.
This time it was Alanna Kennedy’s turn.
“It’s got nothing to do with it,” she said dismissively.
One ex-Matilda did dip her toe into the murky waters after seeing Australia exit; Michell Heyman.
The World Cup and Olympics striker retired from international duty last month, while lifting the lid on her battle with anxiety.
Working as a pundit for BeIN Sports this tournament, Heyman lamented the nature of the debate.
“For the Aussie girls it was pretty difficult to hear the news of the sacking but at the same time it was something that needed to be done during that moment to move forward,” she said.
“The girls are getting a lot of stick and so is the new coach because our performance has changed.
“It’s been positive within the camp but outside the camp there’s been a few loud noises and that’s the sad thing about football. What are you going to do?”
Griffo
Roar Guru
Stajcic was removed due to an easy out option in his contract. Was it necessary? You can ask 'what if Stajcic was still there' but it's academic. Especially when defence was becoming an issue near the end of Staj's time, and seemingly unchanged and worse (for many reasons) during the World Cup. The change in coach did affect the squad but the players still had to prepare and change plans four years in the making. Perhaps neither was easy in the end. For some this was their best shot: While FFA could dismiss Staj should they have done so? Like the A-League the FFA do need to plan in parallel for growing the W-League and extending it. I suspect the alignment and exploration of synergies with the NWSL might be seen as a cost saving measure that should benefit our players, without investing much in long term effort.
Ron The Bear
Roar Rookie
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
Nemesis
Guest
Doesn't reignite anything of the sort for me. As an Australian fan of football, too much happening to dwell on insignificant events of the past. A coach got sacked. Who cares? I don't. Only focus now at the international level, is the draw for Groups on 11 July, for AUS (men) at the u17 World Cup in Brazil, which is in October. Lots of international tournaments for Australian fans to focus on: u16 AFC Championship Women: September u19 AFC Championship Women: October WC2022 Asian Qualifiers start for the Men's senior team in September.
rolland
Guest
Gallop one can only look at the lacklustre disappointing results for a team that was suppose to be a favourite at this tournament where they finished is well below expectations when Staj was coach to say the sacking of Staj was a huge mistake by yourself Gallop and Reid is now fair to say and you should both resign you both have failed our game yet again and refuse to admit you stuffed up big time both of you and ruined a good mans reputation and ruined our Matilda team standing in world football
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Were the SBS commentators affected by a desire for the Matildas to be eliminated as early as possible in order for their pro stanjic anti FFA agenda to be vindicated. They couldnt accept that the VAR made the correct decision on the Sam Kerr offside and then they joined the referee in agreeing that an obvious handball did not happen despite the video evidence. Every problem the MAtildas had was on display under the Stanjic coached team in the 2-2 draw with Thailand who pummeled by everyone at this world cup. Including the bad penalty taking they missed two penalties against Thailand , but Thailand missed three. I knew they were gone as soon as the dodgy send off happened given their bad penalty taking,
oldpsyco
Guest
David Gallop has cautioned against a caustic re-opening of wounds in the wake of the Matildas’ limp World Cup exit! OF COURSE HE DOES! He has been hoping it would all just blow over! He doesn't want an investigation, because he is balls deep in it! Football badly needs a cleanout. Unfortunately FIFA bottled it when they had the chance, and this group of parasites won't do it themselves!