Matildas coach bows out swiftly after Olympic exit

Tony Gustavsson, Head coach of Australia looks on in match between Australia Matildas and Uzbekistan. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The Matildas will appoint a new coach following their disappointing early Olympics exit after parting ways with Tony Gustavsson.

Gustavsson's four-year contract was due to end at the conclusion of the Matildas' campaign and it is understood he farewelled players and staff following defeat to USA.

Gustavsson led the Matildas to a fourth-place finish in both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Cup but has faced criticism in recent months over his tactics and team selection.

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"It has been a great honour and privilege to have been able to be the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years," he said.

"This journey with the team has had many incredible moments and memories that I will forever treasure."

Football Australia CEO James Johnson hailed the work of Gustavsson over the last four years but said there would be a throrough review of the Olympic campaign.

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"As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will conduct a thorough review of the campaign as we do with all our national teams following the conclusion of tournaments and each cycle," he said.

"This review will identify areas for improvement and ensure we are well-prepared for future challenges. The process for the recruitment of the Matildas head coach will also commence immediately," Johnson added.

Gustavsson oversaw what turned out to be an era-defining World Cup campaign on home soil 12 months ago, with the Matildas narrowly losing to England in the semi-final after an incredible run.

But the team has struggled since, although he has not been helped by the injury to key players such as Sam Kerr.

And when the Matildas this morning failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Olympics for the first time since 2000 there was no question his contract was not going to be renewed.

It is likely the Matildas will take their time over a new appointment with the next major tournament, the AFC Women's Asian Cup, two years away.

But with that tournament on home soil pressure will be on Gustavsson's successor to deliver a trophy.

Gustavsson was appointed as head coach following Ante Milicic's resignation in 2020, arriving with a high pedigree having helped the United States Women's National Team to two World Cup and an Olympic gold as an assistant coach.

Despite winning all five of their Olympic qualifiers since last year's World Cup, the Matildas struggled in Paris, losing 3-0 to Germany in their opening game, before mounting an incredible comeback to edge Zambia 6-5.

And although qualification was still possible even after defeat to the US this morning, results elsewhere ensured the Matildas are heading home early.