'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.
Shocked/disappointed to hear Staj won’t be taking us to the World Cup in less than 5 months. We’ve been preparing meticulously under him over the last 4yrs to have the best crack to win in France and under his guidance we have been the most successful team in Matildas history. 🇦🇺
— Kyah Simon (@KyahSimon) January 19, 2019
Shattered with what we have found out TODAY. https://t.co/8PMISDnsrL
— Chloe Logarzo (@CLogarzo) January 19, 2019
Sad news chick. Standard FFA.
— Renee Rollason (@rollo_22) January 19, 2019
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.
— Lisa De Vanna (@lisadevanna11) January 19, 2019
Shocked and a little dismayed right now…
There wasn’t even a #stajout going around 🧐
Making light of it probably doesn’t help much but I’m not sure what else to say really 🤷🏽♀️
— Melissa Barbieri (@Bubs_11) January 19, 2019
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.
Appreciate that, yes it’s easy not to blame one coach for injuries,, but he is known for smashing players in camps and playing players injured, unfortunately not the only one but surely the Top needs to be leading the way. He also did t take the ‘down year’ no periodisation
— Joey Peters (@joeypeters10) January 19, 2019
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.
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