As Socceroos prepare for World Cup playoffs, Ange Postecoglou must remain in charge, writes David Davutovic

COMMENT: Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos game plan must be reviewed, but questioning his motives is an insult writes Herald Sun chief soccer writer David Davutovic.

ANGE Postecoglou deserves firm backing to lead the Socceroos into the next two, hopefully four World Cup qualifiers

His formation and tactics deserve dissecting but amid the hysteria, questioning his motives is absurd.

Fox Sports commentator Mark Bosnich made valid points on the timing of the formation change from the “safe” back four to the “riskier” back three last March when qualification wasn’t secured.

I respectful disagree with Bozza’s assertion that Postecoglou is using the Socceroos as an “experimental laboratory”, for his boldness is part of his DNA.

Former Socceroo Robbie Slater’s calling for Postecoglou’s head is ludicrous, while his and others’ comparisons with Holger Osieck and Pim Verbeek are almost insulting considering the incumbent’s 40-year contribution to Australian football.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou with midfielder Aaron Mooy after Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Thailand in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

FFA chief executive David Gallop confirmed that Postecoglou will see out the 2018 journey and his feats in winning the Asian Cup and re-energising a stale, smug Socceroos set up are ignored.

Postecoglou’s most radical changes came when he took over and if he hadn’t blooded players ahead of time early doors, the Socceroos’ 2018 World Cup obituaries may have been written.

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Seven years ago I thought Australian coaches were ill-equipped to lead the Socceroos on the international stage, but having lived in Europe I’m convinced Aussie coaches are as good as their overseas counterparts and we underrate them.

The Verbeek/Osieck comparisons are ludicrous because research has proved that the last two coaches had superior squads at their disposal while Asia was weaker.

Add Postecoglou’s deep passion for the game locally and there’s no better option to lead the Socceeroos right now.

It may be part of the problem, because Postecoglou seems to be carrying the burden of Australian football on his shoulders. The sole focus is now the 360-odd minutes that stand between the Socceroos and Russia 2018.

Should Postecoglou consider tweaking his 3-2-4-1 system? Absolutely.

The Socceroos spent 27 months playing 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 and that familiarity may instil a balance and confidence that’s lacking without Postecoglou’s bending on his attacking beliefs.

The Socceroos were slow in transition and didn’t offer variation against Thailand. That predictability could be fatal in coming months.

Australia did not exploit its immense aerial advantage over Thailand until Aaron Mooy’s teasing cross was glanced in by Tomi Juric late on. By that stage Tim Cahill had been subbed off and when he was on he was at times too deep.

Players also must take responsibility. When Mark Bresciano crossed for Josh Kennedy four years ago to secure a Brazil 2014 berth, it wasn’t a training move per se, rather the street-smarts of a player with 84 international caps and 300-plus Serie A games.

Postecoglou has done more than anyone to encourage this collective group to scale those lofty heights for club and country.

The coach believes in the players but the players must believe in themselves.

Originally published as As Socceroos prepare for World Cup playoffs, Ange Postecoglou must remain in charge, writes David Davutovic