Australia in limbo without permanent coach as Asian Cup looms

MELBOURNE - Australia remain without a permanent coach less than a year before hosting the Womens Asian Cup, leaving players frustrated with a team in limbo.

The World Cup semi-finalists have been coached by interim boss Tom Sermanni since September as Football Australia continues its search for a long-term replacement.

Steph Catley, who captained the Matildas to a 2-0 win over South Korea in Newcastle on Monday, praised Sermanni for creating an amazing culture at the team.

But she said the uncertainty over his successor made it hard for them to build for the Asian Cup next March.

Weve got a year to build — well, less than a year now, but thats what its about, Catley told reporters.

Its hard as a playing group when youre in limbo a little bit.

You havent got clear direction in how were going to play moving forward.

Joe Montemurro, the head coach of French womens powerhouse Lyon, is linked with the role and confirmed to Australian media last week he had been in discussions with Football Australia.

Catley, who was coached by the Australian at Melbourne City and English club Arsenal, said she had no idea about it.

Hes obviously in a role right now so I dont really know how that works, she said.

Hes a great coach. Ive had him a couple of times and hes doing well over there at Lyon (but) Im not picking the coach.

Well wait and see and hopefully it gets done sooner rather than later. REUTERS

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