Defiant Postecoglou sticking to plan A for Socceroos
FOOTBALL: Ange Postecoglou has vowed to surge on with his team’s embattled game plan as it prepares for a pair of cut-throat World Cup qualifying playoffs against Syria next month.
And the defiant Socceroos boss has also brushed off criticism and suggestions his job should be under threat, insisting he has been through worse times throughout his professional coaching career.
“The Australian football industry chewed me up and spat me out 10 years ago – it doesn’t change my conviction about what I think is right for our game and our country,” Postecoglou said yesterday.
“People can have their judgments on me, but I won’t be pushed into the shadows of Australian football history like others by bowing to certain parts.”
Australia defeated Thailand 2-1 at AAMI Park on Tuesday night in a game in which the hosts had a staggering 45 shots on goal.
And they were made to pay by not finding the back of the net any more than they did, with Saudi Arabia’s later 1-0 win over Japan enough to then see it through with the Samurai Blue as the automatic qualifiers from Group B.
Australia will now play Syria, on neutral territory on October 5 given the troubles in the war-torn Middle Eastern nation, and at home on October 10 at a venue yet to be determined.
And despite the controversy around his approach to matches, particularly his three-at-the-back system, Postecoglou refuses to take a more pragmatic approach to the games which will determine our World Cup fate.
If the Socceroos get through Syria they will play the fourth-placed North American side in November for a spot in Russia.
“The style and the approach is what works for us and what will work for us,” Postecoglou said.
“We’ve had some challenges with personnel, you saw last night the difference having someone like Aaron (Mooy) in the team made after he missed the first game.
“Hopefully Mile (Jedinak) is back up and running and there’s some experience back in there.
“You kind of hope that everyone is fit, well and available and, between now and then, is in good form.
“But in terms of the approach, no, we’ll push on.”