Matildas at risk of losing their shine amid wait for new era to begin – Joey Lynch

As Australia embarks on a crucial path towards redemption under interim coach Tom Sermanni, there’s a palpable sense of urgency ahead of friendly matches against Switzerland and Germany. Football Australia’s CEO, James Johnson, has often reiterated that the Matildas have time, citing their automatic qualification as hosts for the 2026 Asian Cup. This, he argues, allows the team to search for a permanent coach following Tony Gustavsson’s departure, to recover from a disappointing Olympic performance and to rekindle the joyful play that seemed to fade during the tournament.

However, the notion of time can be misleading. The team must balance their newfound mainstream appeal following their 2023 efforts with the need to deliver solid performances in the upcoming friendlies. With just a window narrowed for a permanent coaching appointment before the Asian Cup, the stakes are high. Disappointing results could further dampen the spirits of a squad still reeling from their early exit in Paris. The Matildas have much to prove, as mainstream audiences may not appreciate intricate gameplay if it leads to losses.

While these friendly matches are not qualifiers for upcoming tournaments, the impact on team morale is significant. A strong showing against European teams like Switzerland and Germany would help assure players that they are progressing rather than falling behind. As they aim for improved FIFA rankings, that success will be vital for restoring confidence after the Olympics.

Ellie Carpenter voiced the team’s desire to return to winning ways, stating, “Football is football and sometimes you do win ugly. But we want to play our style, the Australian way, and get back to winning.” The urgency for results is clear: “We don’t like losing,” she added.

The coaching situation looms large. Unlike the swift change made for the Socceroos, where Graham Arnold was replaced in just four days, it looks like Sermanni might continue in his role longer than initially anticipated. The upcoming international window, featuring matches against Brazil and Taiwan, puts added pressure on this interim phase.

Players are being consulted about potential future coaches to ensure a suitable fit. However, the limited training time available in international football makes it essential that any interim coach maximizes the opportunity to create a solid foundation.

Sermanni, despite the challenges, sees this as an opportunity to help the team rebuild after the lows of the Paris Games. He expressed his commitment to establishing a focused and stable environment for his eventual successor, emphasizing the importance of restoring joy in play: “Football is the thing that makes this team,” he stated. “It excites people and determines success.” Moving forward, the focus will be on what originally brought the Matildas to prominence, reinvigorating their passion for the game.