Socceroos coach quits after job 'takes its toll'

The intense pressure of international football management has accounted for Ange Postecoglou after the beleaguered coach confirmed he has quit the Socceroos and will not lead them to the World Cup finals in Russia. His decision comes just a week after securing qualification for next year’s tournament.

The 52-year-old cut an emotional figure as he fronted a media conference in Sydney on Wednesday, when he said his four-year tenure in charge of the national side had taken its toll on him “both personally and professionally”.

“After a great deal of thought and soul-searching, the journey for me ends as Socceroos coach,” he said, after he met with Football Federation Australia chairman Steven Lowy and CEO David Gallop on Tuesday.

The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty about Postecoglou’s future, and just six days after he steered the Socceroos through to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia with a 3-1 win against Honduras.

“It has been a privilege for me to coach my country’s national team,” he said. “To lead them at the 2014 World Cup, to win the Asian Cup in 2015 and now to have qualified for the World Cup next year. I said we would do it and we have done it.

“All this, however, has taken a toll on me both personally and professionally. I have invested all I can knowing how important a period it was for Australian football. It is with a heavy heart that I must now end the journey.

“To coach your own country is the greatest privilege but it also has enormous responsibility. I feel now is the right time to pass on that responsibility to someone who will have the energy it requires. I owe this to the FFA, the players and the fans.

“I look forward to watching the team take on the world next year. I have no doubt that the road ahead will have many special moments and no one will be happier than me watching and cheering from afar.”

Postecoglou indicated he was keen to return to coaching club football and get back to “working day-to-day” quickly.

“I loved this job but it has been all encompassing,” he said. “I don’t want to be unemployed for too long but I probably need to have a break with the family and regather my thoughts.”

Last month a report emerged claiming Postecoglou would quit his post after the decisive intercontinental playoff against Honduras, regardless of the result. Postecoglou steadfastly refused to confirm or deny those rumours, and in the weeks that followed stuck to the line that his only concern was qualification for Russia.

In quitting, Postecoglou has passed up the opportunity to become the first coach to lead the Soccerooos at two World Cups, having made his debut at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Focus for the Socceroos now turns to the identity of a successor, but FFA said it would not be rushed into making a decision. “There’s a big gap in the calendar now and it’s important that we get the right person to fill his shoes,” Gallop said.

“The Socceroos will not play again until March next year at the earliest so we have time to conduct a thorough process. With a guaranteed place in the World Cup, I am sure we will attract a strong field of candidates.”

Of the teams who will play in the finals only six – including the hosts –have a lower world ranking than the Socceroos. It will be the fourth consecutive appearance at the World Cup by Australia.

The 52-year-old former Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar manager played four times for the Socceroos and later managed the Under-17 and Under-20 sides. He was appointed Socceroos boss in October 2013. In 2015 Australia won the Asian Cup for the first time, beating South Korea.

Postecoglou was at the FFA Cup final on Tuesday, where he saw Sydney beat Adelaide 2-1.

(GUARDIAN)