Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has reportedly been sacked by FFA boss David Gallop in the wake of the side’s humiliating 6-0 loss to France this morning.
UPDATE: The FFA has confirmed that Osieck’s contract has been terminated.
TANNOUS: After Osieck, Socceroos need a manager with belief
News Corp Australia football writer Tom Smithies earlier reported that Gallop had assembled the players and informed them that Osieck’s tenure as Australian coach was over, effective immediately.
Pressure had been mounting on Osieck since Brazil routed the Socceroos 6-0 last month, with the repeat scoreline this morning seemingly the tipping point.
The Socceroos were dismantled by the French, who led 4-0 inside half an hour after utterly outclassing their opponents.
With nine months until the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the FFA will now turn their attention to a replacement.
Former Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink could be in line for a return after his tenure at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala ended recently, and former Argentina and Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa is another whose name has been mentioned.
Of the local contingent, Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou would appear the most likely to be installed.
The Socceroos have just four days to recoup before their friendly against Canada in London, with assistant coach Aurelio Vidmar to step in for the match.
Gallop advised that Head of National Performance Luke Casserly and National Technical Director Han Berger will conduct a full review of Australia’s World Cup planning ahead of the appointment of Osieck’s replacement.
EXCLUSIVE; David Gallop just assembled the socceroos and told them holger is out.
— Tom Smithies (@SmithiesTele) October 11, 2013
More to follow.