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'The lies!': Matildas players speak out for sacked coach

Alen Stajcic’s dismissal as Matildas coach has taken a turn after a number of players spoke out against Football Federation Australia’s decision – a move taken after discussions with players and staff.

FFA chairman Chris Nikou and chief executive David Gallop announced the decision at a media conference in Sydney on Saturday following a board meeting last night.

Gallop said the decision was based on the results of two confidential surveys and numerous conversations.

“The ultimate responsibility for leading the team environment and driving change in culture and environment rests with the head coach. We no longer feel confident Alen is the right person to lead the team and the staff,” Gallop said.

“There’s definitely some serious findings from the surveys and discussions and a view that things have deteriorated in recent times.

“It’s fair to say that workplace issues around the culture of the set-up but it’s difficult to go into specifics.”

Stajcic was informed of his sacking after being called into FFA headquarters on Saturday morning, with players made aware of the decision within hours.

Kyah Simon was the first to speak out, with Chloe Logarzo and Renee Rollason echoing her thoughts.

Matildas veteran Lisa De Vanna appeared to take aim at Gallop and the FFA, while former No.1 goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri also appeared to be on Stajcic’s side.

Retired midfielder Joey Peters, who said she was writing from an outsiders’ perspective, praised the FFA.

“He has reached his ceiling, play is too predictable and hasn’t evolved. Pushing players and injury plague needing inquiries as well,” Peters wrote.

The ABC reported that disharmony between some players and coaching staff had prompted the two-month review.

The race is now on to find an interim coach before the inaugural Cup of Nations tournament, which starts at the end of February, and for preparations for the Women’s World Cup in France, which starts in June.

Stajcic had been in charge of the Matildas since 2014 after Hesterine de Reus was sacked following a player revolt.

Kyah Simon and Lisa de Vanna have spoken out in support of sacked Matildas coach Alen Stajcic. Pic: Getty
Kyah Simon and Lisa de Vanna have spoken out in support of sacked Matildas coach Alen Stajcic. Pic: Getty

The 45-year-old oversaw runs to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, as well as a rise to a fourth place in the FIFA rankings.

Nikou cancelled a scheduled trip to the UAE to watch the Socceroos take on Syria in an Asian Cup clash on Tuesday.

The Socceroos face Uzbekistan in a round-of-16 clash in Al Ain on Monday and Nikou and Gallop are scheduled to return to the UAE next week.

Australia begin their campaign against Italy in Valenciennes on June 9 with Brazil and Jamaica the other teams in their group.

with AAP