Milicic was appointed this week after a tumultuous five weeks in Australian football following the shock sacking of former Matildas boss Alen Stajcic.

The fallout has seen three more of the Matildas coaching staff resign, the deputy FFA board chair Heather Reid stand down and renewed scrutiny over CEO David Gallop's handling of the affair, amid calls from angry FFA Congress members for an independent review of the debacle.

Today though Milicic was trying to focus on the World Cup just four months away, a Cup of Nations just a week away – and a squad he needed the help of the remaining Matildas staff to name.

But he also revealed even he had not been briefed on the issues that led to Stajcic's surprise axing.

"I'm coming in with fresh eyes and no preconceived thoughts," he told a media conference in Brisbane where the Matildas will be in camp from Saturday for the Cup of Nations which kicks off in Sydney next Thursday.

"I've been around Australian sporting teams for a while now and I know what the environment needs to be. I know how we need to prepare for the World Cup.

"I will use all the experience I have gained over the years and I have no doubt at all that once we start working from Saturday onwards that we will be so focused on this World Cup, it will block out anything from the outside.

"We're very determined to do well and I've got a lot of respect for these women. It's a big journey and I'm pleased to be part of it."

CEO David Gallop conceded the last few weeks had been "frustrating" but refused to go into any more reasons for Stajcic's dismissal, citing confidentiality.

He insisted Milicic's appointment could be permanent beyond the World Cup, saying it was not the same as Bert van Marwijk's caretaker role at Russia 2018 before Graham Arnold took the reins of the Socceroos.

Milicic was also at Russia 2018 and Brazil 2014 with Ange Postecoglou, and was Tony Popovic's assistant at Western Sydney Wanderers during the club's successful early years.

Although he has not worked previously in women's football, Milicic was confident his experience will see him through.

"It's a transition I'm very comfortable with," he said. "You speak about the women's game and the men's game – it is a World Cup. The rules are the same. It's 11 v 11, it's 90 minutes. 

"I'm not the first coach that's come from the men's side to the women's game. In fact. I think it's an advantage as well."

He added: "I think Phil Neville is the best example and that’s worked out with the England national team.

"I’m very confident that the processes we have in place and the way we want to play that the players will adapt. When I look at this opportunity, it’s a fantastic one.