Arnold, Muscat in Aussie frame

GRAHAM Arnold and hardman Kevin Muscat were named as potential Australia coaches yesterday after Ange Postecoglou failed to allay fears he’ll quit even if the Socceroos qualify for the World Cup.

Postecoglou declined to confirm or deny reports on Wednesday that he planned to walk, either before or after the Socceroos face Honduras in a critical home-and-away playoff next month for a place at the 2018 Russia tournament.

Local reports said Football Federation Australia boss David Gallop was one of those unaware of Postecoglou’s intentions before the reports broke, leaving him furious as he scrambled to find out the facts.

The Australian newspaper said Postecoglou had become increasingly restless, fed up with criticism from the media and public after a string of mediocre results.

It said a lucrative deal with a Chinese Super League club opened up for him several months ago, but it fell through.

Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi said yesterday he’d be surprised if criticism had driven his close friend and mentor to consider leaving.

“He must have his reasons. That’s all I can say,” Aloisi said.

“Everyone wants to go to a World Cup as a player, as a coach, so he must have his reasons why.

“It’s a bit of a shock. But still, we haven’t heard if it’s 100 per cent true or not.”

Sydney FC coach Arnold, seen as a frontrunner for his second stint with the Socceroos, said it was “not real” until Postecoglou himself confirmed he was leaving.

Along with Arnold, Melbourne Victory coach Muscat is considered a potential coaching candidate.

But the lure of taking a team to the World Cup would probably also attract high-profile overseas candidates.