FFA won’t be replacing under-fire Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou as World Cup playoffs loom
FFA CEO David Gallop “categorically” ruled out replacing Ange Postecoglou as the Socceroos face up to World Cup play-offs in October and November.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
FOOTBALL Federation Australia has thrown its support behind Ange Postecoglou ahead of the World Cup play-offs in October and November, defying calls to bring a new figurehead in.
FFA CEO David Gallop “categorically” ruled out replacing Postecoglou as the Socceroos face up to two-legged play-offs against Syria and then – hopefully – the fourth-placed Central and North American qualifier.
After Saudi Arabia snatched the final automatic qualifying spot in the wake of Australia’s 2-1 defeat of Thailand on Tuesday night, Gallop said the qualities that convinced him to secure Postecoglou as Holger Osieck’s successor almost four years ago would come to the fore in the play-offs, whose home venues are expected to be announced in the next 24 hours.
ANALYSIS: Asia no longer happy hunting ground for Socceroos
MATCH REPORT: Socceroos v Thailand
STUMBLE: Australia needed Mooy of this man
CRUEL GAME: Ange’s agony as Socceroos fail to make shots count
Had Australia scored twice more against the Thais from an incredible 39 shots on goal during the game, they would have edged ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference.
It prompted former Socceroo Robbie Slater to demand that Postecoglou was replaced before the play-offs, while Mark Bosnich said Postecoglou was “hanging by a thread” having radically remodelled his team’s tactics in the midst of the qualifying campaign.
But Gallop said FFA would funnel resources into Postecoglou’s preparations for the play-offs, the first of which seems likely to be played on neutral territory in Malaysia on October 5 followed by a return leg in Australia five days later.
PODCAST: Where it all went wrong for Socceroos
“While it was a frustrating and disappointing night with so many near-goal moments, we are focused on success in the play-offs and Ange, his staff and the team have our complete support,” he said.
“We’ll do what we can off the pitch to make sure they’re in the best possible position to be celebrating at home on November 14.
“Ange understands the importance of green and gold success as he is Australian and is someone with a deep history in Australian football.
“It’s one of the reasons we chose him to coach the team and that conviction to see success for the Socceroos will put us in good stead in these critical games.”
After Postecoglou vowed to maintain the tactics and attacking style that have drawn criticism since he revamped them in March, Gallop said FFA wanted him to follow that blueprint.
“We all saw that the attacking style could have produced a number of goals against Thailand, and we support Ange keeping his foot on the pedal,” Gallop said.
Originally published as FFA won’t be replacing under-fire Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou as World Cup playoffs loom
FA’s ‘weak’ Sam Kerr response torn to shreds
Football Australia’s response Sam Kerr’s court case has been torn to shreds as everyone continues to ask the same question about her role.
Four red cards, last-minute VAR goal: EPL title race goes nuclear
Three red cards were handed out after the final whistle — including two to coaches — as the last Merseyside derby at Everton’s Goodison Park descended into chaos.