Ange Postecoglou’s decision to quit the Socceroos on eve of the World Cup is baffling - but if it’s for family he can hold head high
ANGE Postecoglou’s decision to quit the Socceroos after getting them to the World Cup is a baffling one, writes Advertiser soccer writer Val Migliaccio. But if family is his real reason, he can depart with his head held high.
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WHY Ange, why now?
You claim the job is done — and it is in part.
You have led the Socceroos to the FIFA World Cup in Russia next year.
The road was bumpy, it wasn’t easy and you’re right about our nation being naive when it comes to football knowledge.
That comes with the isolation of living in Australia — the world’s best country — critics really don’t understand that there are another six billion football experts that want one of those 32 nation berths at the FIFA World Cup.
Postecoglou has blooded a new generation of Socceroos that will take our flagship national team to the biggest single sporting event on the planet.
But not wanting to be part of seeing how far this team can go in Russia against the best nations on the planet after rejuvenating it during his four years in charge is baffling.
Why doesn’t Postecoglou doesn’t want to coach Aaron Mooy — who is fast becoming a world-class midfielder due to his influence — or the reliable Trent Sainsbury or the golden gloves of Mat Ryan in Russia?
And while we may not be the best nation on the planet the Socceroos have chances of upsetting the big guns of world football like Germany, Brazil, England, Spain or Argentina at the World Cup.
Wouldn’t that be further proof in Postecoglou’s belief that Australia is largely underrated.
I just don’t get why Postecoglou has pulled the pin now in a football sense but maybe his reasoning goes far beyond the game.
His tough character has led Postecoglou to winning domestic national league championships with South Melbourne and Brisbane Roar.
Lesser men would have walked away from coaching and the game a decade ago when SBS football expert Craig Foster caned Postecoglou for the way he led the national team’s underage sides.
But Postecoglou bounced back after initially “winning” the Adelaide United job in 2007 before the Reds hierarchy changed their minds for Reds legend Aurelio Vidmar.
It became a turning point in his career as he then stepped in at Roar.
He is solely responsible for changing the face of the game, challenging every aspect of it and proving Australian soccer can also be beautiful when he revolutionised Roar.
But at the press conference in Sydney on Wednesday where he sat alongside FFA chief executive David Gallop, Postecoglou became a “very normal” father when he shed tears talking about his family’s sacrifices during the four years he had the Socceroos job.
If that is the real reason for Postecoglou walking away then he is one of the greatest men to ever coach the Socceroos.
He just proved in those fleeting moments that his family means more to him than anything else in life.
Bravo Ange, bravo.
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