‘More in our favour’: Delayed Olympics to benefit weary Matildas
Matildas star Caitlin Foord says the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics could be a blessing in disguise for Australia's 2021 quest for a gold medal.
The Matildas had one of the busiest, travel-heavy schedules in international women's soccer over the past two years – including a World Cup, Asian Cup, Olympic qualifying and numerous friendlies.
Caitlin Foord says the Olympic postponement will help the Matildas in their quest for Games gold.Credit:AAP
"Obviously it's [the same] for everyone but I think if you look at any team around the world, we're probably the ones that have needed it the most because we don't have an off-season."
There remains uncertainty over whether coach Ante Milicic's tenure – which was meant to end after this year's original tournament before he joins A-League newcomers Macarthur – will be extended to cover the rescheduled Olympics.
Foord would like to see Milicic and his coaching staff stay on, given they secured Australia's Olympic qualification.
"I don't know if there has been discussions but I think as of now, everyone's plan is they're taking us to the Olympics," she said.
The 25-year-old has used the delay as an opportunity to rest up, then look to find form at English club Arsenal, without the additional burden of international soccer.
"What I'm looking towards [is 2021] and it's made it easier to just switch off from the game, knowing that I'm going to have the right amount of time to prep," she said.
"If the Olympics was still going ahead [this year], I wouldn't be having this down-time. I would still be focused on having to train even harder than normal, doing things on my own."
Given the heavy amount of travel required with the Matildas, Foord is happy to have her feet on the ground in London, too.
"Being over here in the UK, that travel back to Australia then to Vietnam [for the Olympic qualifier] then back here … after that I didn't want to get on a plane for a long time," she said.
AAP
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