As the Australian women’s national soccer team, the Matildas, look to rebound after two disappointing losses to Brazil, one question looms large: Who will lead them into the future? With longtime coach Tony Gustavsson departing after the Olympics and the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup on home soil fast approaching, the search for a permanent replacement has taken on new urgency. But according to star winger Hayley Raso, patience is key in finding the right fit for the team.
A Time for Reflection and Growth
“We’re in a period now where we’ve got time,” Raso said after the Matildas’ 2-1 loss to Brazil on the Gold Coast. “First and foremost, it’s about getting the coach in. After that, we’ll probably start working on a philosophy, finding our feet.”
With 15 months until the Asian Cup kicks off, Raso believes the extended preparation window offers a valuable opportunity for the team to take stock and make necessary improvements. However, she also cautioned against rushing the coaching decision.
“Of course, it’s important to get a coach in … but at the same time, we need to get the right appointment.”
– Hayley Raso, Matildas forward
Sermanni Steps In, Future Uncertain
In the interim, former Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has taken the reins, with his first test coming in the form of two friendly matches against Chinese Taipei this week. However, Sermanni’s future with the team beyond these games remains uncertain.
“I don’t know at this stage,” Sermanni admitted when asked about his long-term status. “I’m in the job and I’ll just do the job until such time as somebody at [Football Australia] comes and says to me your time is up.”
The veteran coach, who previously led the Matildas from 1994 to 1996 and again from 2005 to 2012, says he is “comfortable in the interim role” while the federation searches for a more permanent solution. In the meantime, he plans to approach the coming months as if he will still be at the helm for the team’s next major test: the SheBelieves Cup in February 2025.
Kerr’s Absence Looms Large
Complicating matters for the Matildas is the continued absence of captain and talisman Sam Kerr, who has been sidelined since tearing her ACL in January. Though the star striker’s recovery appears to be progressing well, her presence on the pitch has been sorely missed.
“Everybody knows what Sam Kerr can bring to a team. We’ve missed her as a person and as a player, of course.”
– Hayley Raso on Sam Kerr’s absence
Raso emphasized that the team’s primary focus is on supporting Kerr’s rehabilitation and ensuring she returns to the pitch only when fully healthy. “Making sure she does the right things, looks after herself, looks after her knee,” Raso said. “When she’s ready, we’ll obviously welcome her with open arms back into the team.”
The Road Ahead
As the Matildas navigate this period of transition, questions abound. Will the team be able to rebound from their recent struggles and recapture the form that made them one of the most exciting squads in international football? Can a new coach rekindle the magic of the team’s golden generation and guide them to success on home soil in 2026?
For now, Raso and her teammates are focused on controlling what they can: putting in the work on the training ground, building chemistry with new and returning players, and patiently awaiting the appointment of a leader who can take them to the next level. The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Matildas’ story is far from over.
