Tim sad at coach rumours

FOOTBALL: Socceroos star Tim Cahill says the discussion around coach Ange Postecoglou’s future is “just speculation” and has taken away from Australia’s victory over Syria.

Reports emerged this week that Postecoglou would quit the Socceroos job after the World Cup qualifiers against Honduras – regardless of whether his side made it to Russia 2018.

Cahill, who scored two decisive goals in the 2-1 win over Syria that sent Australia through to the next round of qualifying, said the timing of the reports on Postecoglou’s plans was disappointing.

“It’s just speculation and I feel that this angle the day after the biggest game in Australian soccer, to qualify for a fourth consecutive World Cup, is not needed. Especially now,” Cahill said ahead of this weekend’s Melbourne derby.

“So I think we (should) concentrate on celebrating a 2-1 victory firstly and looking forward to a full house of 80,000 plus at home in Sydney.

“And regardless of whether people like it or not, everyone’s going to be watching because this is a chance for the fourth consecutive World Cup.”

Cahill said he felt the scrutiny on Australian football made it tough for players and managers.

But the Socceroos’ all-time leading goalscorer said Australia would not be distracted ahead of the qualifiers against Honduras.

“I feel that playing soccer in Australia’s tough because regardless of winning and delivering the results, the next morning, very early having to wake up to that as a manager and as a team leader, it’s what comes with the territory,” the Socceroos’ record scorer said.

“And you know what – we’re going to face it and deal with it and qualify for a World Cup if we can, and do our country proud.”