Matildas take down South Korea in friendlies, but coach conundrum lingers

As our national women's soccer team celebrates two wins on home soil against South Korea, a state of uncertainty around the search for a permanent head coach remains. It's now been eight months since the departure of Tony Gustavsson post the Paris Olympic cycle, with interim coach Tom Sermanni now having taken the reigns for the past 11 matches.

The Matildas defeat Zambia in a late comeback 6-5 during the Paris Olympic Games. Photo credit - Olympics.com

Despite an uplifting series at home that no doubt provides a solid base for the 2025 Tillies schedule, notably building towards the 2026 Asian Cup, the team remains in a transitional phase as they search for their next leader.

Standing in as Captain due to Sam Kerr's absence, Steph Catley used the words 'in limbo' when quizzed about the situation. "It's hard as a playing group when you're in limbo a bit," Catley said.

"We haven't got a clear direction in how we're going to play moving forward."

Steph Catley prepares to strike for the Matildas. Photo credit - news.com.au

Although the team has shown great resilience over recent months despite a disappointing SheBelieves Cup campaign, key players missing on the park through injury, and dealing with the fallout of the Sam Kerr court case, the absence of a permanent head coach casts a shadow over future tournament preparations.

Interim coach Tom Sermanni on the pitch with players during the friendly series v South Korea. Photo credit - Getty Images.

Football Australia has suggested a new head coach will be named by at least mid-year, notably in time for the Tilllies series against Argentina to be held in Melbourne and Canberra.

In exciting news for Aussie fans, the team will play at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on May 30 and Canberra’s GIO Stadium on June 2. More than 50,000 fans turned out to watch the Tillies defeat France 1-0 in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup, and the last time they travelled to Canberra was in April 2022 when they defeated the Kiwis.

With the playing group seeking stability and leadership, they also look to get back on the park with Sam Kerr for the first time since 2023. Sam's absence has taken a toll both on the pitch, and off it.

Sam Kerr has been in front of a different set of cameras over the past couple of years. Photo credit - Jordan Pettitt.

"We're waiting for the right coach,", said FA chief executive James Johnson when asked about the timeline for a new head coach announcement. It's no surprise that FA is doing its due diligence to ensure the team is in the right hands moving forward. Interviews have already taken place.

For a team that has spent the past couple of years gathering a cult following not only at home but abroad, the next move for the Tillies is significant.

Eight players debuted in 2024, and we saw more players than ever suiting up for international duties across Europe and North America.

Whilst a few names have been thrown in the mix for the new position, it seems a frontrunner is Lyon (Olympique Lyonnais) head coach Joe Montemurro. Joe has a good rapport with several Matildas players, however he is currently under contract in his position until 2027 which could prove a hurdle.

Joe Montemurro is considered the frontrunner for the vacant Matildas Head Coach position. Photo credit - Stéphane Guiochon.

Socceroos legend John Aloisi has also been linked to the position.

With big events on the horizon, including success required at the 2026 Asian Cup in order to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, all eyes are on FA and their head coach appointment.