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Matildas call on familiar name as new coach

NewsWire
·2-min read
Tom Sermanni, new coach of the United States women's soccer team, poses for a photo outside the United States Soccer Federation Headquarters after an interview with The Associated Press in Chicago, Illinois, USA 30 Oct 2012. Sermanni was hired Tuesday to replace Pia Sundhage, who led the Americans to back-to-back Olympic gold medals and their first World Cup final in 12 years. Sermanni has spent the last eight years as Australia's coach, taking the Matildas to the quarterfinals of the last two Women's World Cups. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Tom Sermanni has been named interim Matildas coach. Picture: AP Photo/M. Spencer Green

The longest serving coach in Matildas history is back in charge after Football Australia confirmed the appointment of Tom Sermanni as interim head coach, effective immediately.

Sermanni, 70, who replaces Tony Gustavsson, previously coached the Matildas from 1994-1997 and 2005-2012 and has also been head coach of the USA women’s national team across a long coaching career.

He is currently head of women’s football at the Western Sydney Wanderers.

“It’s an honour to return to the CommBank Matildas, even in this interim capacity,” Sermanni said.

“I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of players and helping to ensure a smooth transition as Football Australia continues its search for a permanent head coach. My immediate priority is to prepare the team for the upcoming international window.”

Sermanni’s appointment comes as the Matildas prepare for two matches in October, including a match-up against Olympic bronze medallists Germany.

Australia Matildas training at Santos Stadium. Coach Tom Sermanni.
Tom Sermanni is back in charge of the Matildas.

FA has confirmed that the process for selecting a permanent head coach is ongoing, with the organisation committed to finding the best possible candidate to lead the Matildas into the future after Gustavsson’s four-year reign ended at the Paris Olympics.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom (Sermanni) back to the CommBank Matildas program,” FA boss James Johnston said.

“With over three decades of football experience in Australia and internationally, his extensive knowledge of the global women’s football landscape, the local Australian game and his previous success with the team make him the ideal candidate to guide the CommBank Matildas through this transitional period.

“We are conducting a thorough and comprehensive search for our next permanent head coach.

“Tom’s appointment allows us the time and space to make the right decision for the long-term future of the CommBank Matildas program while ensuring our team remains in capable hands for the upcoming international fixtures.”

Since his last stint with the leaving Matildas, Sermanni coached the US women’s team from 2013 to 2014, maintaining an unbeaten record in his first year, and the New Zealand women’s team for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Tokyo Olympics.

Sermanni will begin his duties immediately and take a leave of absence from his role at the Wanderers.