Ange Postecoglou quits: Socceroos coach decides against leading Australia to 2018 World Cup

GIVING up the chance to lead Australia to the World Cup has left football fans puzzled but Ange Postecoglou has never followed a conventional path, writes David Davutovic.

Socceroos head coach Ange Postecoglou looks on during a press conference to announce his resignation, in Sydney, Wednesday, November 22, 2017. Postecoglou has announced he will resign as Socceroos coach and will not be taking the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING

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UPDATE: IT is impossible to understand the complex character that is Ange Postecoglou without applying a global perspective and delving into his past.

The Socceroos’ feats – headlined by an Asian Cup win – have barely registered on world football’s radar, while FIFA is on the verge of taking over the running of Australian football.

Largely unknown abroad (Europe) and under-appreciated by many at home, Postecoglou felt it was the right time to leave his beloved national team post and untangle himself from all those strings attached.

Success at the 2018 World Cup may have turned heads globally, but six months is a long time to wait for a restless man like Postecoglou, who will now embark on blazing a new coaching trail abroad.

There are no offers, but he will back himself in and he will land something. The question is where.

Postecoglou’s decision to walk away from the chance to lead Australia to a second World Cup was a gut-wrenching one.

The realisation probably only kicked in at yesterday’s press conference when Postecoglou made his most emotional public showing in a 21-year coaching career.

There was no smoking gun but he elaborated on two big reasons – the toll on his family and his emotional investment in Australian football.

“I’m just so invested in football in this country, whatever role I’ve had in or out of the game, football will always be dear to me and my major driver,’’ Postecoglou said.

A tearful Ange Postecoglou fronted this morning’s media conference.

“It’s been all encompassing. It hasn’t just been coaching the national team – the bit I dearly love is the coaching.”

Postecoglou is a visionary and considering the rest of Australian football has ground to a halt considering the political power play, he has become restless.

The lack of expansion, a stagnant A-League, half-empty Socceroos stadiums and dodgy pitches would all rankle.

Postecoglou has also become the face of the current chaos in Australian football, which is bereft of authoritarian soccer voices.

At various times he thought he was being undermined.

David Gallop (right) says he was puzzled by the decision made by Ange Postecoglou.

In isolation, none of these reasons were enough for him to make this stunning decision.

Collectively, and coupled with his voracious appetite to succeed abroad, it’s a pretty compelling batch of reasons.

The FFA political situation was the elephant in the room. But I’d be staggered if it was not a factor.

An emotional Ange Postecoglou wipes away tears at the media conference on Tuesday morning.

As for the past, Postecoglou was unemployable for years after the infamous SBS interview with Craig Foster.

He promised his supportive wife Georgia that this time, he would leave on his terms.

“To my three boys – you make me smile every day. And to my beautiful wife – I’ll never be able to repay the sacrifices she’s made for me to follow my dream over the last four years,’’ he said in the most emotional part of his farewell.

Ange Postecoglou (middle) with Mile Jedinak and David Gallop in Martin Place after the team qualified for the 2018 World Cup.

“It has been a privilege for me to coach my country’s national team, to lead them at the 2014 World Cup, to win the Asian Cup in 2015 and now to have qualified for the World Cup next year.

“All this, however, has taken a toll on me both personally and professionally. It is with a heavy heart that I must now end the journey.”

Ange Postecoglou’s final match in charge was the clash against Honduras which clinched Australia’s World Cup spot.

It leaves the Socceroos post vacant just over six months out from the World Cup and a week out from the draw for the 32-team tournament in Moscow.

FFA chief executive David Gallop appointed Postecoglou and admitted he was disappointed.

“I’m disappointed and still a bit puzzled,’’ Gallop said.

“(Postecoglou) gave our fans a sense of optimism. Whatever you do I know you’ll be successful.

“The process going forward, we won’t be rushed, the Socceroos have a big gap in the calendar now and its important we do get the right person to fill the big shoes.”

A Russia 2018 spot with a youthful, improving Socceroos side is a tantalising prospect for overseas coaches, let alone locals.

Originally published as Ange Postecoglou quits: Socceroos coach decides against leading Australia to 2018 World Cup