By Kieran Yap 17/9/24
Above: Tom Sermanni is his role as Western Sydney’s women’s football advisor. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Matildas Asian Cup winning coach is back in the dugout at least for the time being. Tom Sermanni has been named interim manager of Australia for the October international window while Football Australia continues to finalize their search for Tony Gustavsson’s replacement.
Sermanni’s appointment comes as a surprise, but makes sense. He is perfect for the role and for the circumstances he will be walking in to.
The former Matildas boss is one of the most well regarded figures in the game and will be taking charge of the side for the third time (1994-1997 and 2005-2012).
He guided Australia to the quarter finals of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup’s and earned the nation’s first silverware since joining the AFC when The Matildas lifted the 2010 Asian Cup.
At club level, he has coached the Orlando Pride and been instrumental in the recent resurgence of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, his most important legacy has been in the players that he has brought through, and the faith he showed in youngsters that formed the foundation of the “golden generation.”
Caitlin Foord, Emily Van egmond, Kyah Simon and Sam Kerr all got their first caps under Sermanni. He not only gave the then prodigies a chance, but gave them responsibility.
Famously, he trusted Caitlin Foord to play at fullback on the legendary Brazillian Marta at the 2011 World Cup. At the age of just 16, it would be the making of the now iconic Matilda who would on to be named the best young player of the tournament by FIFA.
The 2010 Asian Cup was where a 16-year-old Sam Kerr was first unleased onto the world stage. The youngster scored against South Korea in the group stage and then in the final against North Korea. Likewise an 18 year old Kyah Simon was entrusted to win the game from the penalty spot and bring home the trophy for the first time in Australian history.
Sermanni is the right fit beyond decade old achievements. His name immediately inflects as feeling of good times and exciting possibilities, and right now, after three years of the most intense preparation the players will ever experience, a familiar, fondly remembered and highly respected face could be the best choice for a reset.
The smart money was on long time assistant Mel Andreatta. The current U23 coach will likely still be in contention for the senior job should she want it. But the benefit of Sermanni for a minimum of one window is that there is no pressure on him. He has nothing to prove and will probably not be auditioning for the full time role.
This means he will not be afraid to tinker or name a few surprises, but will also be familiar enough with the current squad without brining any baggage from the last eight years on board.
This is a good vibes appointment that gives Football Australia some room to breath and take their time. Sermanni’s record cannot really be criticised, and given that they have been clear it is an interim role, the usual stress around potential sackings that always seems to cloud both national teams should be entirely absent. His history at club and international level also shows a willingness to give youth a chance, should this tenure extend beyond the upcoming games expect him to experiment with some new faces.
Sermanni’s teams played some terrific football, set new standards, and provided some great memories. This is a circuit breaker from the tension of the last three years and should allow everyone to enjoy themselves again while nothing is at stake.
He is ideal for this team right now, and while the players will be looking to impress any incoming manager, he will simply look to maintain national team standards and ensure they can play at their best.
This is an excellent, low stakes, high reward appointment while Australia awaits a hugely important decision.
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