Fans express their sadness and admiration at Ange Postecoglou’s decision to quit Socceroos

A WEEK ago Ange Postecoglou guided the Socceroos to another World Cup. So when he told the world he was leaving his post, there was confusion and admiration among football fans.

Ange Postecoglou steps down from the Socceroos. Picture: AAP

ANGE Postecoglou’s decision to walk away from the Socceroos has left many football fans shocked — but also full of praise for a man who likes to do things his own way.

Postecoglou’s decision was first revealed in The Herald Sun last month but after guiding his team to World Cup qualification last week, many believed the 52-year-old would stick around to enjoy the fruits of the past four years.

Why Postecoglou is walking away is what many are still wondering, with fans, players and leading commentators quick to weigh into the debate.

Aussie NBA star Andrew Bogut simply tweeted ‘Well done media’ — a message that was quickly rebutted by many — with his sentiment shared by former Socceroos keep Clint Bolton.

We knew it was coming, but still kinda sad and puzzling. Interesting to see what Postecoglou’s next move is.

— Carly Adno (@CarlyAdno226) November 21, 2017

Why Ange, why ?!? #socceroos

— Lauren Breen (@LaurenKBreen) November 22, 2017

Feels too soon but the man has always run his own race.
Always cared about the future of the game in this country and wanted to show the world Australia can play.
Asian Cup, World Cup qualification, regenerated the squad.. achieved so much.
Such an empty feeling though. #Ange

— Melanie McLaughlin (@Mel_Mclaughlin) November 21, 2017

He leaves the team in better shape than he got it.
Sad he doesn’t make Russia.
$1000 he comes back one day.
In the meantime... who next?

— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) November 21, 2017

Ange is going to regret that. How many opportunities do you get to coach a nation at a World Cup finals?

— Brett Thomas (@Sports_Brett) November 21, 2017

Pretty devastating for local game. And so begins another soap opera of Ange’s replacement while momentum of WC qualification fizzles out. Bizarre situation. Sadly, one which underlines Oz soccer’s capacity for own goals.

— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) November 21, 2017

Sad day in Australian football. I was wishing @Socceroos #Postecoglou would stay for #WorldCup2018 #Russia2018 #inangewetrust🤔 not to be.

— George Salpigtidis (@georgesalphotos) November 21, 2017

Can anyone recall a coach qualifying for such a big tournament before, then quitting before it takes place?

— Tony Harper (@toneharper) November 21, 2017

Umm.. #SideBar

Why the announcement on the same day @TheMatildas are playing their first game against China?#NotIdeal

— Francis Leach (@SaintFrankly) November 21, 2017

There's a reason why the word "tumultuous" comes up so often re soccer in Australia.
Goodness me.

— John Stensholt (@JohnStensholt) November 21, 2017

If they need a coach I’m available. We may not win a game but fark we’d have a good time

— Dane Swan (@swandane) November 21, 2017

Does anyone still have Guus' number?

— Kingy (@tom_king79) November 21, 2017

Sorry Andrew. Lot of respect for you but that statement couldn’t be further from truth. As part of the media I can tell you that you are doing Ange a huge disservice. You think he’d let media get under his skin? No way.

— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) November 21, 2017

Others were supportive of the coach’s call to step aside.

Socceroos Brad Smith and Jason Davidson thanked the Aussie mentor for giving them an opportunity at national level.

Bloody hard not to be impressed with AP. Always his own man and uncompromising in his own belief and personal values. https://t.co/onSu5E6Ahi

— Jason Mifsud (@jason_mifsud) November 21, 2017

Thank you Ange for the belief and opportunity you gave me to represent my country 🇦🇺 To play in a World Cup and to win the Asian cup on home soil is something I will cherish and never forget! You always believed in us! I wish you and your family all the very best for the future

— Jason Davidson (@jasondavidson29) November 21, 2017

Thanks to Ange for giving me my opportunity to do the thing I've always wanted to do and represent my country, also the way he has changed the way people look at Australians playing football. I wish him all the best in the next chapter in his life 🇦🇺🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/PrLtTgjYRv

— brad smith (@bradsmith_94) November 21, 2017

Hope that, along with Ange’s announcement today, that there is a healthy dose of self reflection from some in the media & the way they’ve conducted themselves throughout...

— Clint Bolton (@bootsa22) November 22, 2017

Well played @davutovic #Ange

— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) November 21, 2017

Thank you Ange Postecoglou. Good job. #socceroos

— D A Cairns (@da_cairns) November 22, 2017

Originally published as Fans express their sadness and admiration at Ange Postecoglou’s decision to quit Socceroos