Outgoing Matildas' assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte has praised the dedication and selflessness of sacked Australian head coach Alen Stajcic.
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The FFA announced on Saturday it had terminated Stajcic's contract following two confidential surveys and discussions with players and staff just five months out from the World Cup.
After Stajcic's sacking was confirmed, Arrarte submitted his resignation to the FFA.
"In all my years in football, as a player and coach, I have seldom come across a more dedicated and selfless individual," Arrarte said.
"Alen is a man of passion and principles, not just performance.
"He pushed the boundaries because he understood that driving a culture of excellence in women's football was the only way forward.
"The remarkable results he achieved were a testament to his leadership."
Under Stajcic's guidance the Matildas rose to sixth in the world and were considered dark horses for the World Cup starting in France in June.
FFA chief executive David Gallop said the surveys and discussions had raised "serious findings" about team culture but wouldn't go into specific reasons for Stajcic's dismissal.
Stajcic's demands on players were always about maximising their performance, Arrarte said.
"There is no doubt that Alen challenged Australia's players to be the best they could be," Arrarte said.
"Alen came in at a time when the women's football program was in disarray.
"His ability to calm the warring factions and put the players' needs first was testament to his leadership.
"He personally re-built the team, almost from scratch, and carefully nurtured countless teenage talents into senior stars."
Stajcic and Arrarte's departures leave the FFA in a race to find coaching staff before the inaugural Cup of Nations tournament in February and for preparations for the World Cup.
Australian Associated Press
