David Gallop slammed for train-wreck Matildas presser
Football Federation Australia chief David Gallop has failed to expand on reasons for the shock sacking of Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.
After twice addressing the playing group during a team camp at a Coogee hotel on Monday, Gallop was once again evasive about the circumstances which led to Stajcic’s dismissal on Saturday.
He said a new coach was expected to be announced in the next two weeks but failed to shed any light on the details of two reports into the team’s culture that led to his axing.
“There are confidentiality aspects to this and there are a range of reasons,” Gallop said.
A report by the Professional Footballers Association followed by one from Our Watch, an organisation that tackles abuse and violence against women, led to Stajcic’s downfall.
Gallop also denied the FFA board had failed to foresee problems emerging, defending the decision made just five months out from the World Cup.
“Further information was only available to us in the last week or so and these are cumulative things that are taken into account,” Gallop said.
He was heavily criticised by football media and fans after the short press conference, which ended when he walked off while questions were still being asked.
.@FFA chief David Gallop has failed to expand on reasons for the sacking of @TheMatildas coach Alen Stajcic. Gallop fronted a media conference after spending time earlier in the day meeting with players but maintained a confidentiality agreement prevented him from saying more. pic.twitter.com/5uJnFfm3ry
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 21, 2019
Five-minute press conference to say absolutely nothing, Gallop keep to walk off while questions are being asked.
What an absolute shambles this is. #Matildas
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) January 21, 2019
"David, we're getting heaps of blowback on this decision and the football community is confused and it's leading to anger bubbling up. So let's go out there, answer a couple questions without giving any new details and make sure you give an awkward soundbite on player power."
— Davidde Corran (@DaviddeCorran) January 21, 2019
Hands up who feels better after that? Anyone? Bueller? #matildas
— Kevin Airs (@KevinAirs) January 21, 2019
Just as a rule of thumb. If you’re going to hold a press conference have something to say. Don’t just repeat the same mind numbing HR babble that was roundly condemned two days ago.#Matildas#SokkahTwitter
— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) January 21, 2019
During the A-League finals the @ffa managed to balls it up with the Matilda’s pay dispute. Now Gallop has doubled down and with a R16 in Asian Cup in 8hrs we have another distraction of the @FFA’s doing.
— Rory Carroll (@CarrollRory) January 21, 2019
I don't think I've seen anyone want to escape quicker. I think that made the whole situation worse.
— Liam Warren (@liam_warren94) January 21, 2019
So absolutely nothing came of that, and Gallop walked away while questions were being asked. What was the point? #Matildas
— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) January 21, 2019
“We’re done.” Really #Gallop looked like there were plenty more questions to be asked. What was the point of that when you added nothing to what is known. #matildas #FFA #shambolic
— Paul Johnson (@pjohnson_sports) January 21, 2019
So another Gallop Presser that again gives no detail as to why Stajcic was sacked. Once the questions started to ask for more information he ends the presser. This lack of transparency is the same as a Lowy board. Board have failed this test. How long till the 100 day plan is up?
— Chris Gleeson (@gleebo41) January 21, 2019
Questions will now be asked of Gallop and the FFA and how they did not confront the problems sooner or attempt to resolve any cultural issues.
“We were in a tight time frame so the board took a decision on Friday night with a range of information in front of it to move quickly to put in place a new coach for the Cup of Nations,” Gallop said.
Arsenal women’s coach Joe Montemurro has been linked to the job and Gallop said they would have a head coach in place by next month’s Cup of Nations.
Sections of the side expressed their disappointment and anger to Gallop but he said there was no push for Stajcic to be reinstated.
“This was a decision based on a range of material, it’s not within the power of the players to appoint a coach,” Gallop said.
“Nor is it in the powers of the players to reinstate a coach.”
with AAP