‘Same rules, same game’: Kerr backs new Westfield Matildas coach Milicic

Westfield Matildas star Sam Kerr is adamant new head coach Ante Milicic can help the side go to the next level as they prepare for a massive year of football.

Australia host the Cup of Nations, beginning this month, before they depart for France to compete for the greatest prize in women’s football, the FIFA Women's World Cup.

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Speaking on Fox Sports News, Kerr said she couldn’t wait for preparations to begin.

“I was really excited to see we’ve finally got a coach and we can get ready for the Cup of Nations,” said Kerr.

“I think he’s got a lot of knowledge that he can share with us. He’s a good coach and he’s worked under some really, really good coaches so I think we will have a lot to learn off him.

“I’m not really sure what his coaching style is, I guess we will find out, when there is a new coach it’s always clean slates, everyone is on the tips of their toes and everyone is performing trying to win their spot so I think it will be a good boost for the team.


“Everyone will have their best behaviour on and off the field and we’ll be working to try and earn a starting spot for that World Cup.”

Milicic, who enjoyed a successful playing career both home and abroad, was brought into the Caltex Socceroos' fold as an assistant back in 2014 and has therefore been to two FIFA Men’s World Cups.

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Despite having never managed in women’s football, Kerr said she expected the transition to be seamless.

“We’re both footballers, male and female, so I think it will be an easy move for him,” she said.

“Gary Van Egmond did the same from the [Newcastle] Jets in men’s football and he’s been a great addition to our team, we’re both footballers, obviously there’s a little bit of difference but at the end of the day same rules, same game.”

The striker, who enjoyed another stellar Westfield W-League campaign with Perth Glory, said the onus was on the players to continue their strong form leading up to the Cup of Nations.

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“At the end of the day the coach is the coach and they’re not out there playing for you,” Kerr said.

“Our team had done everything they’ve done over the past couple of years with the girls that are on the field.

“It’s no different when Ante is the coach, whoever’s out there will be giving 110 per cent and we’ve definitely got the team to go as far as we want this year.”

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This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
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