The three Australian contenders for the Socceroos coaching role appear to have been on the radar for months with FFA boss David Gallop revealing they’d been considering sacking Holger Osieck since June.
Ange Postecoglou is the favourite to be appointed ahead of fellow A-League coaches Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic.
Gallop has just returned from Europe to meet with Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy and get the decision-making process underway with the governing body wanting the new coach in charge before the next international friendly window in mid November.
In a statement on Friday Gallop said Osieck’s job was on thin ice even as he guided Australia – just – to World Cup qualification in June.
“It should not come as a surprise that we have been considering possible scenarios and options since the World Cup qualification period earlier this year,” he said.
“That is appropriate contingency planning.”
He also stressed that making the team competitive should not be a long-term aspiration but that the Socceroos need to strive for world-class standards at the World Cup in eight months.
“The regeneration of the team is critical but producing a competitive outfit is not something that should only be a long term goal,” he said.
“We want the Socceroos to strive for world class standards and to always punch above our weight on the global stage.”
Gallop also said that the new coach would play a part in a review, lead by head of national performance Luke Casserly, into every facet of the national team’s organisation.
Gallop confirmed the FFA had contacted the A-League clubs of all three candidates.
And while Melbourne Victory mentor Postecoglou is tipped to get the nod, Western Sydney’s Tony Popovic, the youngest and greenest of the trio, says he’d be ready for the role should all the right boxes be ticked.
“It’s obviously a great honour to be seen in that way,” the 40-year-old said.
“I’ve always maintained that one day I’d certainly love to coach the Socceroos given that opportunity.
“But there are a lot of factors that come into deciding when the time is right.
“It’s not just whether I want it or whether my employer will allow it or whether the FFA wants me, there are many more factors.
“So if all those boxes got ticked then the time is right.”
Arnold, coach of reigning champions the Mariners, said while honoured to be in contention he wasn’t going to push his case.
“I’m not going to lobby for the job, I’ve never lobbied for a job in my life,” he said.
“The people that make those decisions have to decide who the best man is and I think all three of us have good credentials.
“Myself and Ange have had a lot of experience with international football. Ange with the under 17s and 20s and I’ve had 10 years with the national team and the Olympic team.
“So whatever happens happens, it’s just an honour to be included as one of the candidates but also to have an Australian coach in charge is great for the game.”
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