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Former Socceroo Ante Milicic has been named the coach to take the Matildas to the Women's World Cup following the controversial sacking of Alen Stajcic.
Key points:
- The Matildas kick off their World Cup campaign on June 6 against Italy
- Ante Milicic will take charge for the Cup of Nations tournament, starting on February 28
- Former coach Alen Stajcic was sacked on January 18 after it was judged he oversaw a "toxic" environment
Milicic, 44, played six times for the Socceroos and has been in the Australian men's coaching set-up since being appointed as an assistant to Ange Postecoglou at the Socceroos in 2014, but has no experience in women's football.
His latest role has been as the coach of Australia's men's under-20 team.
"It is an honour to be appointed head coach of the Matildas and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity together with the squad and staff," Milicic said.
"As demonstrated throughout the W-League this season, Australia has many fantastic players right now and I know that the squad that is ultimately selected will be eager to seize its chance in France."
Milicic, who was part of the Socceroos coaching staff that reached the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, will take charge of his first matches during the upcoming Cup of Nations, where the Matildas will face Argentina, New Zealand and Korea Republic.
"The tournament will provide our group with the opportunity to set its standards both on and off the pitch as we look ahead to the FIFA Women's World Cup with great belief and optimism," Milicic said.
FFA chairman Chris Nikou said Milicic's understanding of Australian sporting culture and his "long apprenticeship at both club and national team level" was key to his appointment.
"Ante [Milicic] has been involved in Australian football at the elite level for many years," Mr Nikou said.
"While he is highly regarded from a technical standpoint, he is also exceptionally knowledgeable in the development and implementation of high-performance football environments, and understands the Australian sporting and football culture.
"FFA is delighted to provide Ante with the opportunity to lead the Westfield Matildas in France."
FFA chief executive David Gallop said Milicic stood out from an extensive list of applicants.
Upcoming Matildas fixtures
- February 28, v New Zealand, Kogarah Oval, Sydney
- March 3, v Korea Republic, Lang Park, Brisbane
- March 6, v Argentina, AAMI Park, Melbourne
- April 5, v USA, Colorado
"There was no shortage of exceptional Australian and international applicants interested in this elite role," Mr Gallop said.
"Ante's intimate involvement with our national teams over the past five years ensured that he will commence the position with a clear understanding of the systems in place, and with sound relationships with key technical, backroom, and administrative staff already forged."
Mr Gallop added that Milicic's experiences at the two most recent men's World Cup tournaments would stand him in good stead for dealing with a variety of stakeholders at the tournament.
"Having experienced two men's World Cups in the past, that gives us confidence that Ante will be able to deal with the demands and lead the group with distinction."
The announcement, which was delivered as an online statement instead of a press conference, caps a month of turmoil since the shock sacking of Stajcic over concerns about an alleged "toxic environment" within the team.
Milicic is expected to speak to the press on Thursday.
Topics: sport, soccer, sydney-2000, nsw, australia
First posted