Westfield Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has reiterated the value of Australia's Westfield W-League in underpinning the Aussie national team's development.
With Australian domestic league set for round 2 this weekend, and the national team coach preparing for two friendlies in Victoria next year’s Asian Cup (and a World Cup and Olympics in coming years), these are busy and exciting times for the Westfield Matildas.
Speaking to Stephanie Brantz of ESPN FC (see the full interview here http://es.pn/2lCKgHa) Stajcic said he was pleased to see the league, in its 10th year, growing in quality to match the increased interest in the women's game.
"It's such a positive to have a strong domestic league, lots of things have happened to push the game forward on and off the field," Stajcic said.
“The fact we can attract top shelf internationals to play here shows the improved standard and the respect this league has gained around the world.
"All of these things can only serve to make our own national team even stronger."
The league will be an ideal showcase for those players seeking to push their way into contention for next year’s Asian Cup in Jordan, and the challenges ahead of the coming years.
"We have always wanted to be a world class team, a top three contender.
"So while that is our target we will absolutely be challenging for the Asian Cup, the World Cup and the Olympics,” Stajcic added.