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It might panic the fans but Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou believes it’s a good thing some of his regular stars have been forced to fight for their starting spots overseas, predicting he’ll have a battle-hardened squad come March’s vital World Cup qualifiers.
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Massimo Luongo and Valencia goalkeeper Mat Ryan have endured managerial changes and lengthy stints on the bench this season, only making recent but impressive returns to their starting XIs.
Another midfield mainstay in skipper Mile Jedinak has also spent time on the sidelines after falling down the pecking order at English Premier League side Crystal Palace.
From Postecoglou’s perspective, the fact none of them had opted to cut and run in tough times is a testament to the mental strength he requires for the challenges ahead on the road to Russia.
“Mass Luongo played really well on the weekend and he’s had a battle for his position, but I think that’s a good thing,” Postecoglou said.
“Mass has shown he is a fighter … it’s part of your development as a footballer, to fight and convince people you are good enough to play rather than at the first sign of things not working out you move to somewhere else.
“Same with Maty Ryan – he seems to have wrestled the No.1 jersey back, which is fantastic.
“People get all panicky when our players don’t get selected, but I think fighting and earning your shirt, particularly when a lot of our players have faced a change of manager, shows me they’ve got what it takes to reach the very top.”
Heartened by what he’d seen of his established players over the Christmas period, Postecoglou said he was “bullish” about the upcoming qualifiers and forecast some welcome selection headaches.
The manager is in Doha casting his eye over the Olyroos’ talent pool as they contest their Rio Olympic qualifying tournament.
While reserving judgment on potential new Olyroos blood until after Thursday morning’s (AEDT) crucial clash with Jordan, Postecoglou singled out other youngsters Brad Smith and Jordan Lyden for making inroads at Liverpool and Aston Villa.
The Socceroos will play Tajikistan on March 24 at Adelaide Oval followed by Jordan on March 29 at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
The latter fixture, for which the venue was announced on Wednesday, could decide whether the Socceroos finish top of their first-phase qualifying group.
Sterner tests will then await in the next stage with Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Iran all possible match-ups.
“Big games, but from my perspective, it will prepare us for what’s ahead in the second phase of qualifying, which will be very, very challenging,” Postecoglou said.
“The more big games we have leading into the second phase of qualifying, the better prepared we’ll be for what’s coming ahead.”
Postecoglou said initial reports from Socceroos medical staff suggested Roda JC striker Tomi Juric should recover from his recent knee injury in time to be of service, with his match fitness then shaping as the primary selection factor.
The Dutch club expects Juric to be out for another three to five weeks.
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