Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou gives assistant Ante Milicic his blessing for A-League role

SOCCEROOS assistant Ante Milicic is a frontrunner to replace Turkey-bound Tony Popovic at Western Sydney. But how does Ange Postecoglou feel about losing his right-hand man?

SOCCEROOS boss Ange Postecoglou has given assistant coach Ante Milicic his blessing to join Western Sydney.

Postecoglou gave Milicic, who he headhunted from the Wanderers in 2014, a glowing endorsement on the eve of Australia’s World Cup playoffs against Syria.

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The Herald Sun understands that Milicic is a frontrunner to replace Turkey-bound Tony Popovic, who addressed Wanderers players this morning (Tuesday) as Hayden Foxe was named interim.

Wanderers owner Paul Lederer is likely to hold talks with Milicic and other candidates next week once he returns from overseas and the former completes his Socceroos commitments against Syria.

Asked whether he would allow Milicic or fellow assistant Josep Gombau, who’s also been linked, to leave during qualification Postecoglou was emphatic.

“Absolutely. If that’s what they wanted to do they’d certainly have my blessing,” Postecoglou said.

“That’s why they’re here. I want them to be the best they can be. They’re no different to the players.

“If an opportunity came along and it disrupted things here we’d cope with that. It’s not just my decision — they’re employed by the organisation, they’re not employed by me. But I wouldn’t have any issues, I’d be excited for them.

“I think Ante will be an outstanding coach, I’d appoint him at an A-League club. I think he’s done a fantastic apprenticeship, he would be a fantastic appointment.

Ange Postecoglou (right) with assistant Ante Milicic. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“Wherever he’s gone, whether that was when (Melbourne) City or at Wanderers, he’s always made an impact and is continually looking to improve and challenge himself.

“Josep has already proved himself in the A-League and has a clear methodology. That’s why I brought them in. They’re top quality people and both are great coaches and outstanding candidates.”

Postecoglou was effusive in his praise of Popovic, who will start work with Super Lig side Karabukspor on Friday.

“It’s fantastic. It doesn’t surprise me. I’ve always liked the way Popa has gone about things. He’s the kind of guy who’s prepared to keep challenging himself, keep reinventing himself, keep pushing the boundaries of what he does,” he said.

“I naturally have an affinity with people like that, not that I know him well but I’ve got a great deal of respect for him and good on him, he’s got out of his comfort zone, his safety net.

“I’m sure he could have had a job for life at the Wanderers and he certainly has done an unbelievable job there. He’s going to go out there and challenge himself again.

“It’s great for him, great for our game. It’s another frontier that hopefully we can break through and I certainly see no reason why he can’t be a success.”

Originally published as Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou gives assistant Ante Milicic his blessing for A-League role