Why did Australia sack Alen Stajcic?

Coach Alen Stajcic was fired in 2019 by the Football Federation Australia (FFA), after a player survey that was conducted revealed that most players were psychological distressed.

The survey included questions regarding “Health & Wellbeing, Psychological Distress, Psychological Safety and Player Insights.”

However, more than 80 percent of the team felt that the environment was not conducive enough to make them better players, and many were afraid to voice out because it might be boomerang on them.

The FFA and the Players’ Union, had to fire the coach so that players “would be able to perform at their best.”

The decision sparked controversy and debates within the soccer community, with players and others expressing both support and criticism for the FFA’s decision.

Alen Stajcic Football Coaching Career

Alen Stajcic has coached many teams in Australia, beginning as an assistant coach at the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.

He later coached the Australian women’s national soccer team (the Matildas) from 2014 to 2019.

Under Alen’s leadership, the Matildas experienced several notable achievements, including winning the 2017 Tournament of Nations, which included victories against the United States, Japan, and Brazil. The team also secured the Cup of Nations title in 2019.

Alen now serves as head coach of the Philippines women’s national football team, and recently led the team to their first historic first World Cup win.