Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will quit in November even if Australia qualify for World Cup

Ange Postecoglou would have quit last month if the Socceroos had qualified automatically for Russia 2018. He will move on next month and there’s one major trigger behind his decision to walk.

David Davutovic

3 min read

October 11, 2017 - 2:52PM

Socceroos

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Ange Postecoglou will sensationally walk away from his Socceroos coaching post in November, even if they qualify for a World Cup berth.

The Herald Sun understands that Postecoglou, 52, would have quit last month if the Socceroos had qualified automatically for Russia 2018.

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But after Japan and Saudi Arabia pipped Australia in the group, Postecoglou felt compelled to stay on and complete the unfinished task of qualification, clearing the first hurdle on Tuesday night with a 2-1 (3-2 aggregate) win over Syria.

A trigger for his shock decision is believed to be the relentless attacks from critics in recent months with Postecoglou of the view he is being undermined.

Postecoglou gave no inkling of his imminent exit in the press conference post the

2-1 Syria win on Tuesday night.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE HOW FANS REACTED TO ANGE BOMBSHELL

Ange Postecoglou will call time on his tenure in November.

But sources close to Postecoglou have confirmed that the final whistle on his Socceroos tenure will blow next month.

“He is definitely moving on after November,’’ a source close to Postecoglou said.

The stunning revelation will leave a coveted World Cup coaching spot up for grabs should Postecoglou successfully negotiate the fourth-place Concacaf nation next month.

If the Socceroos lose the intercontinental playoff, Postecoglou would depart regardless with his contract expiring and having already announced he would be moving on at the end of the World Cup cycle.

But Postecoglou, after much contemplation, has decided to bring that forward seven months.

It’s believed that an early exit had first crossed his mind earlier this year, and those thoughts crystallised after the Confederations Cup.

After the Herald Sun broke the news, Postecoglou issued the following statement: “I am aware of reports today suggesting I will step down as head coach of the Socceroos next month.

“My sole focus is on preparing the team for the final two qualifying matches.

“I will not let anything compromise the team’s journey on getting to a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.”

It was somewhat telling that a statement from the FFA chief executive David Gallop did not deny the story, instead he chose to focus purely on November’s matches.

“Beyond that (Honduras matches) should we qualify, there is a period of some months until the World Cup and we agreed that we will need to lock in our set up as soon as possible to maximise our preparation time,” he said

While Postecoglou has rejected overtures and lucrative offers from Europe and Asia during his Socceroos tenure, his resignation will leave him free to pursue his overseas coaching ambitions.

While Postecoglou has long left himself open to criticism for his attacking, at times gung-ho offensive approach, there has been a rising tide of criticism lately extending to his public persona.

The shock news comes on the four-year anniversary of Holger Osieck’s sacking, which paved the way for Postecoglou’s appointment.

Postecoglou overhauled the squad and injected an attack-minded approach, which Australia lapped up after growing tired of the pragmatic Osieck regime.

The Socceroos’ win over Syria on Tuesday night was Postecoglou’s 47th game in charge, leaving him behind only Frank Farina (58 games).

But it’s believed his shock decision was largely motivated by frustration, amid a rising tide of criticism surrounding his tactics, formation and body language.

Speaking last week, Postecoglou remained committed to his philosophy.

“There are always different schools of thought and debates. I’d be absolutely astounded if anyone is surprised at what I’m doing or what I’m saying because I’ve been coaching for 20 years,’’ he said.

“Maybe some people are questioning whether they should’ve, or they should’ve said that I was the right man for the job four years ago.

“You’ve got to be careful what you wish for. Maybe some people just kind of went along that I was the flavour of the month and now probably think I wasn’t the right person.

“It’s who I am, it’s how I coach, it’s been very successful for me and continues to be successful and it will be successful for me.

“The rest of it just becomes noise, white noise. And again, it’s nothing new.’’

FANS NOT HAPPY WITH POSTECOGLOU CALL

Outrageous that Ange Postecoglou will quit #Socceroos after next playoff. Obviously no faith in the team to perform at WCup if they qualify.
â€” Socceroo Realm (@socceroorealm) October 11, 2017

If it's true that Ange Postecoglou will quit after our last qualifiers.. I will not be happy. He best to quit now if that's the case.
â€” Jim Drivas (@JimDrivas) October 11, 2017

Leave Ange Postecoglou alone. Seems lot of Australians complacent about Socceroos' World Cup qualification now. It ain't easy. Ask Scotland!
â€” Neil Walker (@MediaMook) October 11, 2017

What coach DOES'NT want to go to a World Cup? If he doesn't have the drive, then Postecoglou must go before November play-offs @FFA
â€” Thomas O'Brien (@TJ__OBrien) October 11, 2017