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.
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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.
— Melanie McLaughlin (@Mel_Mclaughlin) November 21, 2017
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
He leaves the team in better shape than he got it.
— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) November 21, 2017
Sad he doesn’t make Russia.
$1000 he comes back one day.
In the meantime... who next?
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
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
— Francis Leach (@SaintFrankly) November 21, 2017
Why the announcement on the same day @TheMatildas are playing their first game against China?#NotIdeal
There's a reason why the word "tumultuous" comes up so often re soccer in Australia.
— John Stensholt (@JohnStensholt) November 21, 2017
Goodness me.
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