Tony Gustavsson stepped down as head coach of the Matildas following the Paris 2024 Olympics, after the Australian women’s national team failed to progress beyond the group stage. His departure came by mutual agreement with the federation. “It has been a great honour and privilege to have been the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years,” Gustavsson said.
He has now taken over as head coach of the Swedish women’s national team and is focused on assembling his coaching staff. According to Sportbladet’s Amanda Zaza, Jens Fjellström and Johanna Almgren are among the top candidates.
Heading to the Women’s EURO
Sweden has qualified for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, which will be held this summer in Switzerland. Current head coach Peter Gerhardsson will lead the team through the tournament before Gustavsson officially takes over.
Under Gerhardsson, Sweden also secured a spot in the Final Four of the UEFA Women’s Nations League. They will face Spain in the semi-finals this October, with Gustavsson at the helm by then.
Building His Swedish Backroom Team
Jens Fjellström previously worked with Gustavsson as his assistant when the Matildas won the bronze medal at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held on home soil in Australia. That tournament was pivotal in boosting the popularity of women’s football in the country.
Johanna Almgren, currently the head coach of Kristianstad, is also reported to be in discussions with the Swedish Football Association. Her contract runs through the end of the year.
Another potential addition to the coaching staff is Caroline Seger, former Swedish international and team captain, who retired at the end of 2023. Regarding Seger, Gustavsson said: “What I can say is that she is a natural leader, I have seen it firsthand when I have had to work with her. A fantastic leader. I am glad that she is doing a coaching course and seems interested in continuing in the service of football. It’s fun to see that. She has a lot to give back to football.”
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