Coach’s legacy lives on
Postecoglou announces resignation
Ange Postecoglou had already made the gut-wrenching decision to quit his Socceroos project on the eve of the 2018 World Cup – but the realisation only kicked in yesterday morning when making his announcement.
He is fully aware of what he is giving up – the chance to lead his nation to a second straight FIFA World Cup – hence the decision wasn’t made lightly.
That was evidenced at yesterday morning’s press conference as he choked back tears.
Postecoglou contemplated a change of heart in recent days, tempted by the lure of leading this improving group, that has his fingerprints all over it, to Russia 2018.
But Postecoglou is stubborn and when he makes his mind up on something he seldom buckles.
His decision to walk was made months ago and it was going to take something compelling from FFA chiefs Steven Lowy and David Gallop to keep him here.
But with a dark political cloud hanging over FFA and with FIFA about to step in, their hands were tied.
It wasn’t about money, but the state of the game. This is where the unrest appears to stem from.
A tearful Postecoglou conceded he was probably too emotionally invested in the Australian game.
“It’s been the toughest decision, it’s not the ending I envisaged,” he said.
“There wasn’t really a tipping point. It’s something I’ve mulled over for a while.
“I really tried to coach for the moment, knowing there’s the possibility it could end any time. I’ll always have a sense of unfinished business, I think that would have happened whenever I left.
“I’m just so invested in football in this country, whatever role I’ve had in or out of the game, football will always be dear to me and my major driver. I’ll always think I could do something more.
“Overall, sometimes it’s just an instinct that I just think it’s the right time for me and (FFA).
“It’s been all encompassing. It hasn’t just been coaching the national team, the bit I dearly love is the coaching.”
Postecoglou was set to quit in the days after the Thailand World Cup qualifier in Melbourne in September had the Socceroos advanced from their group automatically.
He felt compelled to finish off the job in the World Cup playoffs against Syria and Honduras.
Yesterday’s announcement was mere confirmation of his intentions.
Postecoglou will now turn his attentions to landing a job overseas, and he will throw himself at that with the same fervour that’s underlined his Socceroos tenure over the last four years.
It leaves the Socceroos post vacant just over six months out from the World Cup and a week out from the draw for the 32-team tournament in Moscow.
FFA chief executive David Gallop appointed Postecoglou and admitted he was disappointed.
“I’m disappointed and still a bit puzzled,” Gallop said.
“(Postecoglou) gave our fans a sense of optimism.
“The process going forward, we won’t be rushed.
“The Socceroos have a big gap in the calendar now and it’s important we do get the right person to fill the big shoes.”