PHILLIP HARSANT
The Socceroos are looking for a new coach after Holger Osieck was relieved of his position following a limp 6 – 0 drubbing at the hands of European heavyweight France.
The humiliating loss was the second 6 – 0 capitulation in as many games for the ageing Australian squad after they were also defeated by Brazil last month.
Osieck’s stewardship was off to a promising start as the Socceroos reach the final of the Asian Cup soon after he took over, however the German continued selecting Australian football’s elder statesmen rather than rejuvenating the squad.
His pragmatism resulted in Australia stumbling over the line to World Cup qualification but recent performances indicate the team is unlikely to make a significant impact at the finals in Brazil next year.
Socceroo Tim Cahill tweeted his support for the axed coach and expressed dismay that his generally positive results did not save him.
“Want 2 say Thankyou to Holger for getting us to our 3rd WORLD CUP. Is this a first get us to WC and get the sack. Sad day for Football in oz,” he wrote.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Football Federation Australia Chief Executive David Gallop was ordered to axe Osieck by Chairman Frank Lowy when he returned to the hotel after the game against France.
Gallop told Fox Sports that the performance was not good enough and the decision had to be made to change tactic and rejuvenate the squad before the World Cup.
“There is a lot to look forward to in the lead up to Brazil and we need to maximise the opportunity,” he said.
The FFA has already begun canvassing for a new coach, an early favourite with the bookies is the coach who led Australia to it’s first world cup in 32 years back in 2006, Guus Hiddink.
