3 minute read

Central Coast caretaker coach Alen Stajcic expects a decision on his future with the A-League club will be made this week.

Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic expects a decision on his future at A-League club Central Coast will be finalised this week.

Stajcic, sensationally fired as the national team coach in January, replaced Mike Mulvey in a caretaker role at the Mariners after he was sacked in March.

Central Coast's 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday was Stajcic's fourth game in charge.

He has impressed in that short space of time and is widely expected to continue in the role.

"I've still got to talk to a few people over the next period of time, but hopefully we'll have an answer by the end of this week," Stajcic told reporters.

"I'm loving the job and relishing the opportunity.

"It's been a great opportunity for me. That's all I can say at the moment, but hopefully we'll have a bit more clarity during this week."

The loss to Victory confirmed the Mariners will finish bottom of the league, even if they win their remaining fixtures against Melbourne City and Western Sydney.

While he was guarded about his future with the club, Stajcic conceded he had been assessing his players with an eye on next season, as well as trying to get the best out of them for the remainder of this campaign.

After four games in the role, Stajcic felt confident credentials established over nearly 20 years in the women's game transfer seamlessly to the A-League.

Stajcic admitted he tries not to think about his recent past and shock axing from his post with the Matildas.

"I'd be lying if I said that I never thought about it, but I've got a job to do," he said.

"This is such a demanding job. Everyone's role at the club relies on a head coach ... I can't waste energy thinking about the past.

"I've got to think about the present and the future and how we can bring this club forward."