Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has demanded “real investment” across grassroots football, facilities, his high performance team and in bridging the gap between the youth and senior national teams.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Saturday a program called “Play Our Way” in which $200 million will be spent on improving sporting facilities and equipment for women and girls. FIBA Basketball World Cup | Starts Aug 25. Watch every Boomers, Team USA and Finals game FREE & LIVE on ESPN with Kayo FreebiesThe Prime Minister’s announcement is aimed to continue the momentum generated by the Matildas’ historic World Cup campaign, although it remains unclear how much of the $200m will be directed towards football.
Gustavsson was asked about his future as the Matildas coach amid links with the vacancy for the United States team. The Swede reiterated that he “loves working with this team” and sees the Matildas’ exit as the “beginning of a journey” rather than an end but curiously didn’t pour cold water on linking up with the USWNT.“But I want to be very clear that I want to see investment now. I really do,” Gustavsson said in his post-match press conference.