Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is a leading candidate to become Sweden’s men’s head coach and has interviewed for the position, according to a newspaper report in his homeland.
The Swedish FA is seeking a replacement for Janne Andersson who has been in the job for seven years.
Swedish newspaper Sportbladet reported on Thursday that Gustavsson, who led Australia to a fourth-place finish at this year’s World Cup, has met with the Swedish FA at least once, with another meeting scheduled.
The paper said Gustavsson was one of three leading candidates alongside Elfsborg’s Jimmy Thelin and BK Hacken’s Per-Mathias Hogmo.
Gustavsson was also linked to the USA women’s team job that has gone instead to Chelsea boss Emma Hayes.
He reacted to those reports earlier this week with disdain.
“I think if you go back to the speculations and rumours about this all the way back in the World Cup journey, you’ve heard me say the same thing over and over again,” Gustavsson said.
“I love working with this team and I have unfinished business and a lot of players feels the same way.
“We were so close to a medal in the Olympics. We were so close to a medal in the World Cup. We’re not in the (Paris) Olympics yet. We need to respect that.
“We have qualifiers in February so it’s unfinished business in that sense as well.”
Gustavsson has a contract until the end of the Paris Olympics campaign.
“I’ve said it from day one and it’s a part of this job that there’s always going to be speculations,” he said.
“But what I really want to be clear on here though, so there’s no misinterpretation on this one, is that I think everyone that has worked closely with me and seen me working with this team over these three years, knows how passionate I am working with this team and how much I love this team.
“So I hope people that might have a different agenda don’t use this against me now and start saying, Hey, where’s the loyalty? Does he really like working with this team?
“Everyone that’s been with me, knows what I think about this team and how much I love working with this team.”
Aiden
Roar Rookie
Your usual dose of positivity.
AGO74
Roar Rookie
If he left I couldn’t begrudge him it as he’s given and delivered a lot albeit with some hiccups along the way. results wise you can’t argue with top 4 finishes at the two major world tournaments during his tenure - being the World Cup and Olympics. We’ve never done either of those before. The opportunity to manage your own national team doesn’t come along too often…. What I find is more interesting is that this is the men’s team. Correct me if I’m wrong but besides Stajcic I don’t recall too many switches from men’s to women’s or vice versa. If he goes should we go after Joe Montemurro?
Waz
Roar Rookie
If true the alarm bells should be ringing at FA … time to move him on, thanks for all the fish n that - but clearly his hearts not in Australia.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
As good as gone!. Cant see the Matilda's bouncing back from another set back like this. Say goodbye to the Olympics.
Tony Harper
Editor
Yes, a story went up earlier ICYMI
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
As a recruitment friend of mine said when I baulked at a potential move "That's a loyal thought CW but they won't think very long if there's a slump and you are being made redundant!".
Garry
Roar Rookie
I saw the incident live and there was no issue re the opposing players..McNamara twisted trying to score the winning goal - which she did! .
Garry
Roar Rookie
fyi "Chelsea beats Paris FC 4-1 in the Women's Champions League, with Sam Kerr scoring a hat-trick"
scoots
Roar Rookie
If what is reported is true, to say that you have "unfinished business" one minute and then to have met with Swedish FA the next then you can bugger off. Australia FA should look at someone like Joe Montemurro... an Aussie with a pretty good track record in women's football.
Kitwally
Roar Rookie
Yes he’s done well. Though I wonder how much of that is also from the development and improvement of the players themselves. The Matilda’s could basically field a whole team of WSL players, almost a whole another team from Europe, and then you’ve also got some great players in the A-League.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Gustavsson is no loss. The real disaster for the Matildas is the ACL for Holly McNamara just as she hit superstar status with 5 goals in 2 games. Newcastle are a very rough team , thats what has distinguished the A-league W, how physical they are especially compared to the old Matildas players.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Loyalty is such a loose concept when it comes to employment.
chris1
Roar Rookie
If he's been to one interview and as reported, is lined up for another, he is obviously interested. It will be sad to see him go but success brings bigger offers and you can't blame him for trying.