Gustavsson seeking ‘answers’ as injuries threaten to derail Olympic dream

The Matildas have used closed-doors matches this week in america to super-charge Olympics preparations, making an attempt new formations and sport plans.

Coach Tony Gustavsson has loved the advantage of an extended lead-in to a pleasant match with Mexico on Wednesday (AEST), giving his squad new roles and directions.

It is secret squirrel stuff, and the primary glimpse will are available in San Antonio in opposition to the present world No.31.

“It was a large alternative for us to strive alternative ways, completely different gamers, completely different techniques, completely different sport administration stuff in a closed-door surroundings to not reveal an excessive amount of,” Gustavsson mentioned of the seven-day camp.

“Attempting issues we really feel the necessity to enhance come Olympics.

“Tomorrow might be a time — I do not just like the phrase experiments — however will probably be a day when we’ll strive quite a lot of issues.”

A part of Gustavsson’s experimentation comes as a consequence of participant unavailability.

Emily Gielnik suffered a calf harm in camp, whereas Aivi Luik (hamstring), Katrina Gorry (ankle), Clare Hunt (foot), Courtney Nevin and Chloe Logarzo (each hip) had been unable to journey as a consequence of current points.

Gustavsson mentioned he was hopeful key names like Hunt, Luik, “enjoying possibly one of the best soccer of her profession”, and Gorry, “our engine”, can be obtainable for the Olympics, which start in July.

After which there’s Sam Kerr, lacking as much as a yr after the dreaded rupture of an anterior cruciate ligament, and beneath the cloud of a racially aggravated offence within the UK for allegedly calling a police officer one thing within the realms of “silly white copper”.

Kerr held the incident shut, not telling Soccer Australia or Gustavsson, who declined questions on the matter.

“Soccer Australia and myself are going to respect the truth that there’s an ongoing authorized course of,” he mentioned.

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“Throughout that point, my focus goes to be 100 per cent on gamers which can be obtainable for alternatives.”

The Olympic choice problem is heightened by the squad dimension of simply 18 gamers, together with two goalkeepers.

Simply 16 outfielders should play seven matches in 17 days, ought to the Matildas attain the final 4 as they did eventually yr’s World Cup.

Unavailabilities on the again — together with PSG’s Hunt — have prompted Gustavsson right into a rethink, and on the desk is a shift to a three-woman defence, or making an attempt new faces.

Uncapped Sweden-based defender Winonah Heatley may very well be a type of, whereas A-League pair Sharn Freier and Jada Whyman may additionally win their first senior caps.

“We’re making an attempt to play one of the best group obtainable to beat Mexico, it is also to get solutions and we now have to be courageous sufficient to try this,” he mentioned.

Gustavsson hailed Mexico as an organised opponent “very aggressive in urgent” that will problem his aspect to seek out solutions shortly.

On the Olympics, the Kerr-less Matildas might be as a substitute led by Steph Catley in a troublesome group together with the US, Germany and an African nation.

Catley mentioned unavailabilities weren’t an excuse both in Paris or in opposition to Mexico.

“Most of our gamers are both enjoying abroad in huge groups in huge competitions, or doing rather well within the A-League … trying nice technically, understanding issues actually shortly tactically,” she mentioned.

“I’ve by no means seen this group look so comfy and assured on the ball, enjoying by strains and determining completely different presses in numerous methods in addition to they’ve not too long ago.

“That is what excites me essentially the most, the best way we’re enjoying and the kind of soccer we’re enjoying so I am excited to maintain constructing that.”

Australia’s remaining Olympics opponent will even be confirmed on Wednesday when Zambia and Morocco full their two-legged qualifier, with North Africans taking 2-1 lead into their dwelling tie in Rabat.

AAP