Jedinak: No hard feelings on Ange
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.
Jedinak said he had expected Postecoglou to lead the team at the 2018 World Cup.
“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.”
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 have 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.”
Jedinak found out only after playing in Aston Villa’s midweek win over Sunderland.
“We haven’t spoken,” he said. “At this stage, it’s just been a brief text message. 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.
“Lets 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.
“That’s how I see it, I’m not sure whether that will happen. It’s been a great four years.”