- Matildas players reportedly won’t miss coach Tony Gustavsson
- Sections of playing group labelled his tenure ‘four years of hell’
- Gustavsson and Football Australia have parted ways
A series of Matildas players have turned on Tony Gustavsson, brutally labelling his tenure in charge as ‘four years of hell.’
It comes after the Swede failed to steer the Matildas beyond the group stage at the Paris Olympics, their worst result since the 2000 Games.
And following the 2-1 defeat to the USWNT on Thursday, Gustavsson and Football Australia mutually parted ways hours later.
‘It has been a great honour and privilege to be the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years,’ he said in a statement.
‘This journey with the team has had many incredible moments and memories that I will forever treasure.
‘Thank you to the incredible players, Football Australia for backing our vision, the Australian football family for embracing me and the Australian public for their tremendous support.’
But Gustavsson reportedly lost the support of the playing group some time ago – and won’t be missed by many of the stars.
His tactics were often viewed as puzzling, with one player labelling the Swede’s on-field approach ‘disorganised chaos’.
Angry Matildas players have turned on Tony Gustavsson, labelling his tenure in charge as ‘four years of hell’
It comes after the Matildas failed to progress beyond the group stage at the Paris Olympics, their worst result since the 2000 Games (pictured right, defender Ellie Carpenter)
Alarm bells began to ring at the Olympics in Paris after the Matildas were blitzed 3-0 by Germany in their group opener (pictured)
Others felt they had to endure ‘four years of hell’ with Gustavsson in charge.
According to News Corp, players ignored instructions from Gustavsson during the World Cup on home soil last year, instead leaning on Sam Kerr’s leadership from the dugout.
Pre the Olympics in July, the Matildas took part in a gruelling training camp in Spain, which lasted almost four weeks.
Come their first game against Germany in Marseille, the Matildas were sluggish – and they paid the price, losing 3-0.
With Football Australia confirming they will conduct a comprehensive review of what went wrong at the Games, more changes could follow.
Focus in the review will no doubt be placed on the team’s high performance system, notably the fitness and conditioning of players.
Nothing was spared by Football Australia in the quest for gold in Paris – the squad had access to a private plane to get them to France, luxury accommodation and more than 20 contracted staff.
But after conceding 10 goals in three games, the players also need to take some accountability as they look ahead to the Asian Cup on home soil in 2026.
Meanwhile, current Sydney FC ALW coach Ante Juric and former San Diego Wave boss Casey Stoney are rumoured early candidates to replace Gustavsson.
