In the wake of a disappointing exit from the Paris Olympics, the Australian women’s soccer team, affectionately known as the Matildas, has found solace and renewed energy under the guidance of interim coach Tom Sermanni. Stand-in skipper Steph Catley recently shared with ESPN how Sermanni’s approach has helped the team rediscover their “spark” and reignite their passion for the game.
A Fresh Perspective
Sermanni, a seasoned coach who has taken the reins of the Matildas for the third time, albeit on an interim basis, has emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and playing with freedom. Catley noted that the change in environment and coaching style has been a breath of fresh air for the team, allowing them to focus on the essence of football and play with the fighting spirit that has long been a hallmark of Australian soccer.
“Sometimes the international window comes at a good time for everyone,” Catley told ESPN. “It changes the environment and allows you to play in different styles, with different players and different competition [from club football]. It’s always nice to get away and have sort of a fresh environment to play with freedom. And Tom brings that to the national team.”
Embracing the Matildas’ Spirit
Under Sermanni’s tutelage, the Matildas have rediscovered the joy of playing the game they love. The interim coach’s approach has been to encourage the players to express themselves on the field and embrace the fighting spirit that has long been a part of the team’s identity. This renewed sense of passion was evident in their recent performances against Switzerland and Germany, where they secured a draw and a win, respectively.
“He wants us to play and have fun and enjoy being out on the field. And we definitely do that. Germany was a tough game – we defended a lot. But that’s that fighting spirit that we love as Australians, and we’ve always had as Matildas, and I think we found that spark again.”
The Search for a Permanent Coach
While Sermanni’s impact has been significant, his role is temporary, and Football Australia is conducting a thorough search for a permanent head coach to lead the Matildas into the future. The team’s next competitive fixture will be the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, which Australia will host, giving them ample time to find the right fit for the job.
Catley, along with fellow Matildas leaders Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, and Emily van Egmond, have been consulted in the coaching search process. While they emphasize the importance of finding a coach who can challenge the team to break through the semifinal ceiling they’ve hit in recent major tournaments, they also acknowledge that their focus must remain on the present and what they can achieve under Sermanni’s guidance.
“It’s not our job to look for anything in regards to the coach,” Catley said. “We just want the best person for the job that’s going to fit our style but also challenge us to get to the next level. We finished fourth at a couple of major tournaments now and we want to know how to get to the next level.”
Looking Ahead
As the Matildas prepare for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan under Sermanni’s guidance, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. The interim coach’s ability to reignite the team’s spark has been invaluable in the wake of a disappointing Olympics, and the players are determined to make the most of this opportunity to grow and develop as a unit.
The future looks bright for the Matildas, with the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon and a talented, driven group of players eager to take their game to the next level. As the search for a permanent coach continues, one thing remains clear: the fighting spirit and passion that define Australian soccer are alive and well, and the Matildas are ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
