Tom Sermani (left) pictured with Ellie Carpenter, currently serving as interim coach for the Matildas. (AAP: Dave Hunter)
In short:
Football Australia says it will take its time to appoint a new coach for the Australian national football team.
Tom Sermani has served as interim head coach since Tony Gustafson’s departure.
What’s next?
Matilda will return to the international stage at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States next February.
Football Association Australia (FA) is moving closer to naming the next head coach of the Australian national team but has refused to commit to when the appointment will be announced.
The Matildas have been without a permanent head coach since Tony Gustavsson’s four-year tenure ended following a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics in August.
Tom Sermanni, who coached the Australian national team twice between 1994 and 1997 and 2005 and 2012, has taken over as interim manager and has had mixed results in six international matches.
He expressed uncertainty about whether he would continue in his role next year, but said he would be happy to serve as long as needed.
The Matildas will compete in the SheBelieves Cup USA in February. (Getty Images: Morgan Hancock)
Australia’s next matches are against hosts Japan and Colombia at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States in February, but whether they will be played by a new coach remains to be seen.
FA chief executive James Johnson did not guarantee a new coach would be appointed when he faced the media on Tuesday.
Johnson said: “We are hoping to have the appointment completed before the SheBelieves Cup but we want to make sure we find the right coach.
Matildas defeat Chinese Taipei
Photos show Claire Polkinghorne waving to the crowds after performing in Matilda for the final time.
In the final match of the year, the Matildas beat Chinese Taipei 6-0 at Kardinia Park in Geelong, keeping a clean sheet.
“If it takes some extra time, we will take that time to find the right coach to take us to the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and prepare for the tournament, and then find the right coach to take us to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
“I do know it’s going to take some time, but that’s intentional.”
Johnson was similarly silent when asked if the FA had any targets.
“We have a long list. We have a shortlist. But our list is very, very short,” he said.
“The fact is, we know who we want. We know what type of coach we want.
“When that coach becomes available, we’ll go out and get him.”
Australia closed out this year’s competition with a 6-0 win over Chinese Taipei. Australia will open the SheBelieves Cup against Japan on February 20 in Houston, Texas.
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