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AAP
AAP
Anna Harrington

Gustavsson looking for more speed, defends subs policy

Tony Gustavsson has defended his decision to use just one substitute in the 1-0 loss to Canada. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is looking to add pace to his attack ahead of February's Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan, while defending his approach to squad rotation.

Injuries to Sam Kerr (foot) and Cortnee Vine (hamstring) plus Holly McNamara's devastating ACL tear limited Australia's speedy options to just gun wingers Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso.

"What concerns me a little bit now is the lack of pacy options up front in the four front positions - No.7, No.11, No.9 and No.10," Gustavsson said after Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Canada.

"With McNamara getting injured again and then Vine being out and Sam out, that's something we need to look into how to handle that going forward.

"Because we had a very clear idea of how to do that in the World Cup and we managed to play without Sam in a very, very good way to win at the World Cup which I'm impressed that the team handled well."

Gustavsson indicated there was also room to add defensive depth and his squad wasn't fully settled.

"I have a pretty clear idea of the core group," he said.

"But then there's some spots there that is up for grabs as well and it's up to players to now compete for it and show me that they want it and make it difficult for me - which I want them to do."

Gustavsson threw an inexperienced group into the deep end in the opening 5-0 loss on Saturday (AEDT), but only made one substitution - replacing Katrina Gorry with Tameka Yallop - on Wednesday.

Australia looked tired, particularly as the game progressed.

But Gustavsson stressed he wanted to keep continuity and test different game scenarios with the same team across 90 minutes, rather than calling upon fresh legs.

"Statistically so far I've been a coach that has believed in continuity and relationship on the park, which means I haven't looked to the bench early and a lot compared to some other coaches," he said.

"But there's other teams that are doing similar things as well and there's nothing right or wrong in this business and I'm paid to do what I think is best for the team to win the game, especially when it comes to qualifiers and tournaments, and that's what I'm going to keep doing.

"And when we win people are going to look at that, that might be the right thing and when you lose you can be criticised for doing the wrong thing.

"But what I can promise is that I will do what I think is best for the team at that moment."

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