“One Day Better, Not Just One Day Older.”
This mantra is woven through the answers from the online press gallery faced by freshly appointed Matildas’ coach Tony Gustavsson. It is not just overtly but more subtly seen in his replies to questions ranging from his philosophy and style of play to his excitement over coaching the “Golden Generation.”
BREAKING NEWS
Welcome to the Westfield Matildas family, Tony Gustavsson! #WelcomeTony
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 29, 2020
Football Federation Australia’s usual backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for important announcements was foregone in the current times of a COVID-19 world. Instead the ‘home-soil advantage’ for Gustavsson’s unveiling was limited to Australia House in London.
Beyond the emotions of excitement and appreciation, the new Matildas Gaffa quickly dispels concerns he might not have the prerequisite experience to be head coach of the Matildas, saying “I’ve been a head coach most of the time throughout my 21 years as a coach, the only time I’ve been an assistant is with the US… This is the prime time for me to take a job like this. In terms of timing for the team, federation and me [it was] great.
“The journey ahead of us now with four important tournaments four years in a row… [is a] once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Coaching Mantra
Passion is at the heart of the cultural philosophy and environment that the Swede is seeking to implement with the Matildas. Whether it’s for the game or the individual, the mantra of deciding to be “one day better, not just one day older” is a fruit of a passion he admits needs to be balanced with a love and joy of the game and people.
The former United States Women’s National Team assistant coach paints a picture of how the different limbs of an international team needs to work.
“I want to create a culture where we embrace differences, and work together every day to get better as an individual and as a team, and hopefully together with the staff.
“We need the staff, need the team behind the team, we need each other. And if everyone can bring their piece of the puzzle together to make that puzzle beautiful.”
Importantly Gustavsson emphasises that the pool of local knowledge already in the ranks of the Matildas setup will be what supports him as he dives into Australian football.
“It’s very, very important that I get the help from the expertise that is in place… I can’t wait to get to meet all these people [who are involved in Australia’s youth pathways], like Rae, Leah, Mel, to hear their experience. Because at this point, they are the experts on this not me. And I need their help.”
The former Tyresö FF coach hopes to relocate to Sydney once the pandemic permits. Still, he makes clear his intentions to appoint an Australian assistant coach that will compliment himself and the Matildas.
What Works Best
Gustavsson’s approach to the Matildas pathway and squad development is permeated with the belief that the path for each player to be better each day looks different to each individual.
“What I would encourage every player to do is to ask themselves ‘what makes me one day better, what’s best for me?’ There’s not one path that’s better than the other.”
For the immediate future, the Swede hopes to utilise his current European location to get to know the players spread out across the continent. He acknowledges club level is where players spend a majority of time developing their craft.
More Than An Attitude
“I know that championships are won inside the box. The attacking component, the defending component. So there’s got to [be our] emphasis and focus in the box. I’m not saying the middle third of the game is not important. No. But I know what I need to do to win something, we need to dominate the boxes.”
With coaching experience of Europe and North America already under his belt, Asia is a new frontier for Gustavsson.
“That’s going to be a huge challenge, in the way that I need to learn about the environment over there. That’s where the staff around me is very important.”
Hopes of the Nation
Football Federation Australia has made the appointment at a time of crossroads for the Matildas. It’s more than a current World ranking of seventh, with four major tournaments across four years on the horizon, including a home Women’s World Cup.
The hopes of the nation rest on what has been labelled our “Golden Generation.” The pressure only strengthens Gustavsson’s desire to do the job well.
“[I’m] extremely excited. That’s one of the key reasons why I’m here, is that I believe a lot in this player group. There’s a lot of potential here, they’ve shown their quality. I also think we can together take them to the next level, and together with that also get the next generation involved.”
Tony Gustavsson sends his message to @TheMatildas fans.
Give him a warm welcome using the hashtag #WelcomeTony.
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 29, 2020
At the end of the day, football is about the fans, a sentiment our new Matildas coach reflects in his message to fans as the press conference winds down.
“Well, first of all, I want to tell the fans how proud and thankful I am to be the head coach… And I can’t wait to meet all the fans and start this journey together.”
