Monday, 18 February 2019:

ANTE MILICIC coaches during the PS4 Player Pathway Award Camp in Sydney, Australia.

FIVE BURNING MATILDAS QUESTIONS

* Will the Matildas embrace Milicic?

Many of the Matildas were bruised and distraught by Alen Stajcic's departure. Equally, others will be grateful for a fresh start. The reality for the Matildas is they have little choice but to jump on board Milicic's appointment with so little time before the World Cup in France. Almost uniquely in Australian sport, the Matildas set their own cultural standards and Milicic must adapt.

* How will Milicic handle his new environment?

Milicic ticks the boxes marked international tournament experience and understanding of Australian football culture. But he has little to no experience coaching women and will have to quickly learn the ropes. Milicic is known as one of the most meticulous coaches in the game and FFA are taking a punt he will come up to speed.

* Why did FFA pick him?

In choosing Milicic, FFA chiefs are opting for their most-trusted operator. Milicic was beloved by Tony Popovic and Ange Postecoglou during successes at Western Sydney and the Socceroos, and is the last man standing from the Ange era. The governing body chiefs believe in his methods, diligence and cultural practices and hope the team will respond accordingly.

* What to do with Lisa De Vanna?

Of all the Matildas squad selections, this looms as the doozy. De Vanna, 34, is Australia's record goal scorer, a Stajcic favourite and was on track to become the nation's most capped player this year. While tournament experience is clearly vital, an injury-riddled and scattered W-League campaign could yet see the Western Australian on the outer.

* Will Stajcic relent on his crusade?

In the background looms Stajcic, the battered and deposed Matildas coach who deserves a full explanation of why his tenure was ended in such a clandestine and dramatic way. But the reality is he is no longer coach. Does he proceed with mooted legal action or fade into the background? No one doubts his sincerity to the Matildas cause but the focus must return to on-field matters.

AAP