Bosnich calls for rebuild of Matildas squad after Olympics failure

Australian Football great Mark Bosnich has urged the Matildas to make sweeping changes after a disastrous campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On the heels of an unprecedented semi-final appearance at the Women’s World Cup in 2023, expectations were high for the Matildas to at least come home with a medal.

However, two devastating losses to Germany and the USA sealed the Matildas’ fate at the Olympics and left plenty of questions surrounding the future of the playing group.

“From the players' perspective, there’s a lot of players if you look at their ages and performances at this tournament and we will keep an eye on them because age is only a number, if you’re playing well you’re playing well,” Bosnich said on SEN 1170 Mornings.

“But I think the rebuild needs to start, using that 2026 Asian Cup tournament as a prelude to going to the 2027 World Cup, other teams have done it.

“Spain won the 2008 Euros, 2010 World Cup, 2012 Euros, 2014 they went out in the group stage, they started a total rebuild.

“You have to, it doesn’t matter really what team you are but especially if you’re one of the top teams, which is what the Matildas are.

“They didn’t show it at this Olympics but that’s the first they haven’t passed the group stage since the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

“When things like this happen, it is a failure, you’ve got to make changes, there’s no doubt about that and the number one thing is the football.”

Despite criticising his tactics in the Matildas’ final game, Bosnich gave praise to Gustavsson for his accomplishments throughout his time at the helm.

“I think the manager will resign or he won’t be with us anymore,” Bosnich added.

“You’ve got to thank him greatly, two semi-finals, never been done before.”

Football Australia has since confirmed that Gustavsson's deal will not be renewed, leaving the Matildas on the hunt for a new manager