ZCZC
BSP-03
FBL-AUS-WOMEN-MILICIC-WC-2019
Milicic to lead troubled Australia at women’s World Cup
SYDNEY, Feb 18, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Ante Milicic was Monday appointed to
steer the troubled Australian women’s football team at this year’s World Cup
in France after previous coach Alen Stajcic was sacked in controversial
circumstances.
The highly rated ex-Socceroos assistant coach will take charge immediately
with his first three matches over the coming weeks when Australia hosts the
Cup of Nations in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou said Milicic
“understands the Australian sporting and football culture”.
“FFA is delighted to provide Ante — who has served a long apprenticeship
in the game at both club and national team level — with the opportunity to
lead the Matildas in France,” he added.
Stajcic, who took over in 2014, was suddenly dumped last month, with the
FFA citing concerns over “workplace” and “player welfare” issues following
two confidential surveys about the team environment and culture.
He has threatened legal action against the game’s governing body, saying
his career was “in tatters” following the still unexplained dismissal.
FFA chief David Gallop, who has refused to give a detailed explanation
about Stajcic’s termination, said Milicic stood out from a high-calibre list
of applicants.
“Ante’s intimate involvement with our National Teams Unit over the past
five years ensured that he will commence the position with a clear
understanding of the systems in place,” he said.
“(He) has sound relationships with key technical, backroom, and
administrative staff already forged.
“Additionally, Ante is acutely aware of the level of detail required to
prepare for and compete at a FIFA World Cup.”
Australian Milicic, 44, was assistant coach at two men’s World Cups under
Ange Postecoglou (2014) and Bert van Marwijk (2018).
He also helped Australia win the 2015 Asian Cup and was recently head
coach of the Young Socceroos.
“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,”
said Milicic, whose contract expires at the end of the World Cup.
“With three matches coming up in quick succession at the Cup of Nations,
the friendly tournament will provide our group with the opportunity to set
its standards both on and off the pitch,” he said.
The Cup of Nations features Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and
Argentina.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0933 hrs