Now for the Cup, says new Matildas mentor

NEW Matildas coach Ante Milicic says Australia can win the World Cup and he also has the blessing of sacked boss Alen Stajcic to take the team forward after their acrimonious chapter.

Stajcic was axed last month by Football Federation Australia, which has installed longterm Socceroos right-hand man Milicic in the role after a fast-tracked selection process.

Milicic is yet to speak to his team and will not until tomorrow as they assemble for three friendly matches on home soil starting next week.

Speaking publicly yesterday for the first time since his appointment, Milicic was allowing himself to dream of what is possible at June’s World Cup but only if he and his team put in the work.

“Of course we can win it,” he told Fox Sports News.

“Our best record so far has been the quarter-finals. Let’s not look further than the first game [against] Italy, that will be disrespectful to the other teams. There are quite a few countries that will feel they can go all the way to the final. We need to be as best prepared as possible, which we will be.”

Milicic’s primary job will be to restore order to a set-up rocked by Stajcic’s departure.

FFA removed Stajcic after investigations found several players believed there was a toxic team culture. Others were utterly distraught at his departure and FFA’s handling of the situation.

Milicic and Stajcic, who played together in junior NSW sides 30 years ago, have shared text messages, with Milicic claiming their relationship will be very professional.

Pressed as to whether Stajcic gave his support, Milicic said: “Yeah. I think we both sit very comfortable with it. [In] this industry as a coach these things happen and you’ve quickly got to move on.”

Milicic admitted he was walking into a challenging environment, saying he hoped his appointment and competing for the biggest prize in women’s sport would galvanise the team. “I’ve got the support of the players because there’s a World Cup at stake,” he said.

“We’ll have our meetings, we’ll set the standards. The focus has to remain ... moving forward to a World Cup.”