Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova says it is concerning that one of the country's top players has had to walk away from their club.
Chloe Knott announced on Thursday she was leaving the Phoenix with immediate effect because it was no longer financially sustainable to play.
Klimkova said hearing Knott was struggling to make a living was concerning, as were her comments that she felt players were not being listened to by club management.
"She's such an amazing human being and hearing that she's struggling to make a living from football and hearing that it's not just about money, I really want to learn a little bit more what is behind it," Klimkova said.
In a social media post, Knott said the financial pressure was not the only factor which led to her leaving the club.
Former Phoenix midfielder Chloe Knott. Photo: Photosport
"After being here for the start of this season, it's become clear that my values no longer align with the club or current management.
"It is important for me to be in an environment that prioritises honesty, authenticity, and a genuine care for every individual and their development on and off the field.
"I want to work in an environment where all employees feel valued and respected at all ages and in every phase of their career."
A recent survey found women's football was failing its players in key areas including medical support and pay.
Surveying players from this year's World Cup, 60 percent said they lacked mental health support, while one in three earned less than NZ$48,000 a year from football.
Klimkova said women's football needed to do better when it came to mental health support for players.
"The growth is a never ending story you know we can always do better so again that kind of survey and knowledge, I think we can be more cautious and we will be more curious about players how they are doing and make sure that we are helping them, first they are people."
Football Fern Rebekah Stott. Photo: Photosport
Experienced Football Fern Rebekah Stott expressed her sadness over Knott cutting her career short.
But she was not surprised.
"It's not new, we have struggled with pay for a long time now obviously it is getting better but there's still so far to go and I guess knowing that it's not just all about the money is I guess a bit concerning," Stott said.
"I think Chloe has made the right decision for her and she's happy with that so yeah it's so sad to see someone move out of football."
Meanwhile, Klimkova has plenty of new faces to pick from for the Football Ferns clash with Columbia on Sunday morning.
Uncapped players Macey Fraser, Katie Kitching, Ruby Nathan and Manaia Elliott are among the 24-player squad in Bogota.
The Ferns will be coming into Sunday's match off the back of two losses to Chile.
