Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak admits he was ‘shocked’ by Ange Postecoglou’s exit

SOCCEROOS captain Mile Jedinak has spoken exclusively to DAVID DAVUTOVIC about Ange Postecoglou’s exit, how it will impact his legacy and what’s next ahead of the World Cup.

Ange Postecoglou and Mile Jedinak after Australia defeated Honduras. Picture: Getty Images

SOCCEROOS captain Mile Jedinak admits he was “shocked” by Ange Postecoglou’s exit but declared that his legacy would remain.

The Honduras hat-trick hero said it was not ideal but “understood” Postecoglou’s decision, paying tribute to his former mentor while imploring teammates to move on.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald Sun, Jedinak said he expected Postecoglou to lead the team at the 2018 World Cup.

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“It was obviously a big shock. Like most people (the reaction was) surprise, shock when you consider what we’ve just achieved,’’ Jedinak said.

“I’ve never had an inkling. If there ever was any inkling, we were never made aware of it as a group.

“That just shows the character the guy is because he never let it get in the way of what he was going to do and how he wanted to do things.

“The decision’s been made now, but even the camp last week it was full steam ahead and the focus was as strong as ever.’’

Ange Postecoglou and Mile Jedinak after Australia defeated Honduras. Picture: Getty Images

Jedinak, who was coached by Postecoglou in his Young Socceroos days of the early 2000s, said his ex-coach would have been torn.

“Knowing and having worked with Ange, it would’ve been one of the hardest decisions he’s had to make if not the hardest from a professional point of view,’’ he said.

“It’s hard to describe. Apart from being surprised, I’m understanding if that makes sense.

“I’m understanding of the situation, without knowing every single detail, it’s the nature of the business, the nature of football. It can happen.

“I’ve had it happen in the past at club level. You always know it’s been done for certain reasons – some you may or may not understand.

“You have to accept them. And when you do accept them as a group, you’re able to move forward.

“There must be focus maintained and we’ve got to look forward now to what lies ahead.

“Ange has played a significant role, but as hard as it is, that’s the end of that journey. We open up a new Socceroos chapter.”

Ange Postecoglou and Mile Jedinak celebrate qualifying for the World Cup. Picture: AFP Photo

Jedinak only found out after playing in Aston Villa’s mid-week win over Sunderland.

“I got an email stating (he’d quit), it must have been just after the press conference that was held. Not any sooner, not any later. Pretty much bang on that time,’’ Jedinak said.

“I was taking it all in, seen the press conference and I know that it’s not been any easy decision.

“We haven’t spoke. That time will definitely come, at this stage, it’s just been a brief text message. That’s it. Down the track, there’ll be time for talking.

“I’m not disappointed. Of course I wanted Ange to go on right through to the end of the World Cup.”

Without a coach just six months out from Russia 2018, the Socceroos’ inspirational skipper conceded it was not the ideal situation. But he was effusive in his praise of Postecoglou’s impact.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, it’s not the ideal scenario by any means,’’ Jedinak said.

“One thing we do know now, with no games coming up, there is a bit more time there to implement what you want put in place.

Ange Postecoglou talks to Mile Jedinak during the International Friendly match between England and Australia. Picture: Getty Images

“That’s how I see it, I’m not sure whether that will happen.

“It’s been a great four years for the national team (and myself).

“I’ve seen a group been put together by a manager, used a lot of players. The belief and thinking he’s instilled in a young group and got them to play in a certain way, he’s stuck to it and so did we. It’s a credit to him for doing that under all the adversity.

“Even when he (was under pressure) to go the safer option, we always stuck to it. He encouraged that from day one right up until that final qualifier. That will always leave an imprint on us.”

Jedinak, who transitioned from player to Socceroos leader under Postecoglou and replacing Lucas Neill as captain, said Postecoglou made an instant impact.

“It was great to see someone come in with a different approach and different way of thinking. In order to try and do that, there was a lot of speeches and meetings whereby he invoked what it was to be an Australian and an Australian footballer,’’ he said.

Mile Jedinak lifts the trophy at the Asian Cup final. Picture: Getty Images

“It was something we could all relate to in our own way. All the boys got to understand not only what Ange was about, but our purpose.

“I saw someone come in with a great passion and purpose in what they tried to do. There was a lot of similarities to the way I thought of ourselves as a group, as people and as footballers.

“It was easy to do (become a vocal leader) as a player in that group because everyone was willing. People needed to be guided, but you’re playing for your national team.

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“It was a really good time and it was always special whenever we got together. Everyone just felt that belonging and sense of purpose – a lot of that had to do with Ange and his philosophy and how he wanted to be perceived.’’

The midfielder said the Honduras World Cup playoffs were unforgettable.

“It was a special moment and those 10 days were special,’’ Jedinak said.

“I was very proud of everyone’s commitment.”