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For the fans back in Australia, it’s hard to know what’s happening with the Socceroos in South Africa. The players’ initial reaction of shock to Sunday’s disastrous 4-0 loss to Germany evolved into a steely determination to forget it and put it behind them, to now where there’s speculation of an internal mutiny.
The latter was an alleged story which broke yesterday, suggesting a group of disgruntled players had contacted the FFA because they had lost confidence in coach Pim Verbeek.
Channel Ten’s Rob Waters, who is in South Africa, revealed there was ‘speculation of a rift’ between Verbeek and senior Socceroos Harry Kewell, Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella, due to the Dutchman’s selections and tactics in the 4-0 humiliation.
The former two, of course, surprisingly didn’t feature against Germany, while Grella was replaced at half-time.
So this story of a rift is hardly what the Socceroos need right now. But then again, the reports are only speculation.
The speculation, though, was enough to provoke FFA CEO Ben Buckley to hold a hastily-arranged media conference where he categorically denied the rumours of internal unrest in the camp, and hopefully put to bed another bad news story from the Socceroos.
Buckley, who is also in South Africa, said: “All we’re aware of is that there was one rumour in Melbourne which suggested that. Frankly speaking, I think it’s disrespectful to the players. In no way is there any form of disunity.”
From afar, it’s hard to know the truth but where there’s smoke there is fire.
And we all saw the images of a training ground chat between Verbeek and Bresciano which appeared more than a little frosty. On that evidence, there seems to be some substance to the speculation.
SBS’s Craig Foster wouldn’t blame the trio for being dissatisfied with their coach as well, with the opinionated commentator going as far to say Verbeek should be sacked, mid-tournament!
Sure, Foster is paid to have an opinion and is speaking as someone outside the Australia camp, but the former Socceroo’s level of emotion in this instance (which seems to have made him quite irrational) reiterates the point this has been a tumultuous few days for the national team where frustrations can easily boil over.
That’s not to say I believe the speculation of a rift is true, but I could certainly understand if there were elements of the rumour which had some substance.
Whatever the truth, it’s hardly what the Socceroos need as they try to concentrate on the task ahead of Saturday’s must-win clash against Ghana.
The Black Stars did well to defeat Serbia 1-0 last Sunday and Australia will need to be fully focused in preparation if they’re a chance to get a much-needed boost against Ghana.
Buckley added on Wednesday: “Clearly we are all somewhat disappointed, but as I said there are two games to go. The team is extremely focused and that’s what we should be doing.”
There’s no doubt Buckley is right here stating that the team should be focused, but where there’s smoke there’s fire, and that’s a worry for the Socceroos looking ahead if we’re any hope of getting out of this group.
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