Although any closure surrounding Alen Stajcic’s dismissal as Matildas coach is far from being reached, attention will turn back to the pitch for the side in next weeks Cup of Nations opener.
Ante Milicic has been entrusted as Stajcic’s replacement, and Vince Rugari of The Sydney Morning Herald this week joined Box2Box to praise the appointment.
“The more I think about it, the more I like this appointment. He’s a highly respected, well-credentialed coach. It makes a lot of sense in my view, and I think Ante can do some good things”.
While there has been little public criticism of the appointment, some have pointed to Milicic’s lack of experience as a senior coach, and in women’s’ football, as potential hurdles.
“I don’t think it’s going to be too much of an issue, his lack of experience in coaching women. He’s going to be surrounded by people who have (worked with women), and he’s going to be dealing with a group that is ultra professional”.
With the Cup of Nations campaign commencing in just a week’s time, and the World Cup not far beyond that, Rugari believes Milicic may use the Matildas interrupted preparation to inspire them.
“We’re almost at siege mentality areas. The circumstances aren’t great, but he’s going to try to use the fact things aren’t perfect, as a way to galvanise the group”.