Meanwhile, midfielder Chloe Logarzo and many of her teammates would just like to know why the turmoil occurred, and why a man who had ''given his heart and soul'' to women's soccer should be dispensed with at such a crucial time in the lead-up to the World Cup. ''It's a difficult time for the national team and us girls individually but we have bigger things coming up, we have a World Cup to prepare for,'' she said after scoring for Sydney in their 2-2 W-League draw with Melbourne Victory on Sunday. Sydney FC coach Ante Juric has had informal talks with FFA about the Matildas job. Credit:AAP ''Although we are saddened by losing someone who has put so much hard work, his heart and soul, into the women's game for 12 years, we need to refocus on knowing that he wouldn't want us to suffer in any way in the lead-up to the World Cup.'' Despite having a two-day camp at the beginning of last week and extensive discussions with the remaining team hierarchy and FFA, the players are none the wiser as to why Stajcic eventually had to pay, for overseeing what FFA described as an ''unacceptable workplace'', with his job.

''Trust me, publicly and internally we are so left in the dark. No answers, whatever you know, we know exactly the same,'' she said. Matildas player Chloe Logarzo has not received an explanation Credit:AAP Veteran defender Laura Alleway was also involved in the Sydney camp and says the Matildas will take time to get over the disruption. ''The biggest thing coming out of it is that we are united as a group. Some will take a little longer to process it," Alleway ''We just want the right person for the job. We are not looking at gender and nationality. We just want to find a coach that suits us and the players. We have a group of unique people and I think someone who can come in and really get the most of everyone, that's all you want in a coach. ''As much as it's devastating, and it's been tough and a whirlwind of a week, I think the fact that everyone is now fighting for positions will only grow us as a team and make us really fight ... it gives the shadow players the opportunity to step up, and if anything it will drive the entire team onwards and make it better.''

Juric is just one of a number of coaches who have been touted as potential successors to Stajcic. He says that the best person should be hired for the job and isn't bothered whether it's a man or a woman, nor whether it's a local or a foreigner - but with one caveat. Whoever is selected should have a deep understanding of the local game and the players who will look to gain World Cup glory in France in less than six months' time. He has been sounded out about the post but is reluctant to talk about his candidature, or anyone else's. But he is happy to say what criteria should be uppermost in the minds of the four person committee charged with finding Stajcic's replacement.

''I don't think anyone wouldn't be [interested in the post], it's a national job, a big job, '' he said. Laura Alleway says the Matildas are united. Credit:Eddie Jim ''I have been there before, assistant and TD [technical director] of FFA so if something happened great. ''But I am bewildered why Staj isn't there, he should be there. '' Juric added, ''If it's up for someone I would always put my hand up for that. They know where I am, and I have chatted to certain people.''

He said the search for a successor should concentrate on the fundamentals. ''It should be the best person for the job, someone who can handle personalities. I don't know about this culture thing, just get the best out of the girls, simple as that.'' The new coach has to be familiar with Australian soccer, he says. ''They are looking overseas but as long as they understand Australia ... we have gone through that with men's football [when Bert van Marwijk was hastily hired to replace former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou ahead of the World Cup in Russia] and they have struggled when they have brought other people in.'' Victory boss Jeff Hopkins was much more guarded when asked if he was keen on being considered.

''I am 100 per cent committed to the job I am doing here. Most coaches in Australia would look at the opportunity to coach the national team at the top of the list, but at the moment Victory is my concern.''