Former Matilda Heather Garriock has lauded Alen Stajcic’s work in putting Australian women’s football on the world map after the national team boss was sacked on Saturday.
The FFA fired the former Sydney FC manager just five months out from this year’s World Cup in France after an internal review.
Garriock, who has played for Stajcic and coached alongside him, said the 45-year-old deserved better treatment for his work with the Matildas since 2014.
“He asked players to give everything of themselves for the nation, because he believed that Australia should aspire to be world champions,” the Canberra United W-League coach said.
“Going towards this year’s World Cup, he had carefully crafted together a squad that was ready to carry out that mission.
“We understand there will be disgruntlement from time to time, especially among those players who miss out on selection but his record of developing players and performances at major tournaments has put Australia on the world map.”
W-League coaches Mel Andreatta and Jeff Hopkins, as well as Australian Joe Montemurro from English club Arsenal, loom as the main candidates to take on the Matildas’ role.
Australia host the inaugural Cup of Nations in late February against Argentina, South Korea and New Zealand with the World Cup beginning in June.
Whoever takes on the position will face a battle to restore team harmony, with a number of senior players taking to Twitter to express their shock at Stajcic’s sacking.
— Lisa De Vanna (@lisadevanna11) January 19, 2019
Yesterdays news was totally unexpected. Staj has done so much for women’s football, which we thank him for. All we can do now is band together and do our absolute best in France! https://t.co/atANiZOEDm
— Tameka Butt (@TamekaButt) January 20, 2019
His dedication to our team was remarkable. So much respect for Staj. We reached new heights under him and I am truly saddened. Hoping for a quick resolution as you say, KK. https://t.co/9PxLigEugJ
— Alanna Kennedy (@AlannaKennedy) January 19, 2019
What he’s done for the Matildas and football in Aus is incredible https://t.co/s82m1DVRAR
— Clare Polkinghorne (@clarepolks89) January 19, 2019
Shattered with what we have found out TODAY. https://t.co/8PMISDnsrL
— Chloe Logarzo (@CLogarzo) January 19, 2019
Stajcic had been in charge of the Matildas since 2014 after Hesterine de Reus was sacked following a player revolt.
The 45-year-old oversaw runs to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, as well as a rise to a fourth place in the FIFA rankings.