Opinion

Botched job: the football public deserved better than this

Anyone who has seen The Green Mile will remember that harrowing scene near the start of the movie when what should have been a straightforward execution goes wrong. Horribly.

Stajcic

Alen Stajcic hugs Kyah Simon and Lisa de Vanna during the 2015 Womens World Cup. Source: Getty Images

It is hard not to feel that Alen Stajcic’s termination as coach of the Matildas has unfolded in a similarly unintended manner.

Entertainingly described as a “car crash” of a sacking, the actual truth is that one man’s livelihood has been taken away, his character impugned. Perhaps irreversibly by those who circled the wagons. All for what?

Having been told for years to get behind the Matildas, and their coach, the public is now being asked to believe that something was wrong. So wrong that barely months before the World Cup year, he had to be sacked.

And by the way, you – the public – just get on with it. Take our word for it. The details? Not important. Move on. Don’t ask. Nothing to see here.

But exactly what he did wrong remains a mystery. Such a mystery that as each day passes, more voices have rallied in to support him. Now, it is not so much a rumble but a roar, led by those who played under his command. There's a bad stench around this one.

Usually, it is the other way around. The details of bad behaviour can’t be contained in the modern media world. But the outgoing coach can now count all but a few players in the Matildas’ setup as supporters.

It’s worth pausing and considering: it’s been a staggering show of solidarity. Much of it communicated privately, too.

Voiceless, those players are foaming with rage. They’re too professional to jeopardise their World Cup prospects, but, in the words of one veteran: "We are feeling pretty betrayed right now".

The media was initially led to believe Stajcic had committed very serious offences. Instead, the unpredictable wind of public opinion blew the fire back towards those who lit it. Who poured the petrol everywhere?

The botched job has led several inside in the FFA to be let it be known they were not party to the process or the outcome. They know something doesn't sit right. Those surveys were meant to deliver answers; it has only raised a trove of questions.

So how did we even get to a point where such a process would be considered appropriate? The coaches certainly could have chosen their words a little more selectively at times, in certain circles. I think even they would admit that.

Conversely, there’s also wider unease about the not-so-secret plan to have an Australian female coach the Matildas, one many years in the making.

It was a scarcely concealed ambition that evolved into a mission, especially with Australia a chance at hosting the 2023 World Cup.

But now, even sliding in a short-term coach (like the excellent Joe Montemurro) just to see out this World Cup before installing the preferred candidate would have some hairs on it. Unfortunately, everything will be viewed through the prism of these events.

Anyone who has been around the Matildas long enough knows as much as they are a majestic team on the field, they are a challenging unit to manage off it.

They represent the “broadest church” – by far – of Australian football. Following the chaos of walk-outs, revolts, divides and disruption that punctured the “Never Say Die” mantra of the 2000s, team spirit was tactfully put back together by Stajcic. He bruised a few egos, but find me a coach that hasn't.

One can be critical of the coach’s tactics, as some were. Fair enough. But the myriad of personal and collective issues Stajcic dealt with would be enough to send most coaches to the wall. Many troubled players became his most loyal servants.

And now, amidst all the mess, chaos and confusion, we’re still not any closer to knowing the truth as to why he won't be there in France.

That’s why being told to “move on” simply won’t cut it in this instance. Even if, eventually, we all must.


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
4 min read
Published 22 January 2019 2:24pm
By Sebastian Hassett

Share this with family and friends