Trailblazer Sermanni brings up new Matildas milestone
Anna Harrington |
Tom Sermanni has never kept count of his games as Matildas coach.
So the interim boss was surprised to learn Friday night’s clash with Argentina would be No.150 at the helm.
The women’s football stalwart is set to step aside after this two-game window, finishing eight months in charge in his third stint as national team boss.
After a protracted appointment process, Joe Montemurro is then expected to be officially named as full-time coach.
But first, Sermanni will mark his milestone, then see out his final game in Canberra on Monday night, the way he always has done: bringing through Australia’s next big talents.
“You don’t count games as a coach,” Sermanni said.
“I’ve just been extremely privileged to have the times I’ve had with the Matildas program, but particularly coming at this time, at this stage, in my career for something that was just not even on the radar.
“To have the opportunity for me has just been unbelievable.
“So I’m really blessed and privileged that that’s happened to me, and it’s been great being back in working with the players again and having that balance where I saw players that I started out with as young 15,16-year-olds who are now really senior professionals leading the team.
“Stuff like that really appeals to me. I don’t count numbers of games. I don’t count wins and losses.
“It’s more about how you’ve seen the program grow, how you’ve seen players grow, and hopefully it’s somewhere along the line you might have had some influence in that, hopefully a positive influence.
“The fact that I’m still here in the job is a real bonus for me and a real privilege.”
Defender Charli Grant has relished the “refreshing” change of scenery under Sermanni.
“He came in at a really important time. We needed that positive energy and to really find ourselves again,” Grant said.
“I think he’s really helped us to do that and he’s just given us a lot of confidence to be ourselves, playing with freedom, and enjoy playing football.”
Kyah Simon earned her debut as a 16-year-old under Sermanni and won the 2010 Asian Cup with him.
“Tommy has just been a massive pioneer in Australian football, really, but specifically with the Matildas,” Simon told AAP.
“It’s his third stint – a gift that keeps on giving.
“He’s given so much to the game, hopefully the game’s given him enough memories to repay the favour.
“We definitely have given him enough grey hairs.”
Sermanni hopes to test young and fringe players in Friday night’s match.
Arsenal trio Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross won’t start after delayed arrivals into camp following their Women’s Champions League triumph.
But the players are all soaking up their joy and experience.
“It’s amazing on one of the biggest stages of football,” Grant said.
“So definitely really inspiring to all us girls, and then to have them come in and celebrate them, I think that just gives so much energy to the group.”
AAP
