Roos boss to hit the ground running
“AUSSIE” Bert van Marwijk has declared the Socceroos are going to Russia to win after being appointed Ange Postecoglou’s successor.
Van Marwijk, 65, will arrive in Australia next week after Football Federation Australia confirmed his appointment yesterday following a meeting in Holland.
The Dutchman looks set to adopt the same physical game style infamously deployed by the Holland team he led to the 2010 World Cup final.
Van Marwijk will spend the next six weeks scouting before picking his squad for March’s friendlies against Norway and Colombia in Europe, Van Marwijk’s only games before picking an extended squad for June’s World Cup.
FFA 10 days ago announced a short list, but it was effectively a two-horse race with former Germany and US boss Jurgen Klinsmann.
Van Marwijk’s “local knowledge” and lesser wage demands were decisive.
Sydney FC’s Graham Arnold is likely to be confirmed within weeks as Van Marwijk’s successor post Russia.
Socceroos assistant Ante Milicic is likely to stay on for the World Cup, while Van Marwijk will bring over several assistants and support staff.
Arnold will most likely head to Russia as an observer, before taking over in August before the Socceroos’ defence of the Asian Cup in January 2019 in the United Arab Emirates.
The Socceroos are outsiders to advance from Group B against France, Denmark and Peru, but Van Marwijk wanted to match Guus Hiddink’s feats.
“I want to thank (FFA) for the confidence they have shown in me. My response to them has been that we are not going to Russia just to be competitive,” Van Marwijk said.