Lucas Neill has retained the captaincy of the Socceroos for Tuesday’s friendly international against Costa Rica in Sydney.
New coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Monday that Neill would be his skipper at Allianz Stadium despite widespread speculation he could introduce Tim Cahill as captain to start his new era.
The conjecture followed criticism of Neill’s personal performances in defence in recent matches which included 6-0 losses to Brazil and France last month.
Postecoglou was giving no guarantees that 35-year-old Neill would remain captain through to the FIFA World Cup in Brazil next year, saying everyone was always on trial.
His decision means Neill will break the record he shares with Peter Wilson for most appearances as Socceroos skipper when he leads the team out for the 61st time on Tuesday night.
Neill, a veteran of 95 internationals, had rejected calls to quit the captaincy as Postecoglou seeks to regenerate the Socceroos.
Neill said the team was determined to make a statement in the first outing under their new mentor.
“We have to start the Ange Postecoglou era in a very positive manner,” said Neill.
The skipper said Postecoglou had emphasised the demand for pride in the Australian shirt and the fact that all players were always on trial for their positions.
While he did not want to give too much about away about Postecoglou’s tactics, Neill did indicate there was an emphasis on “good, fast, passing football”.
Postecoglou said Neill was not guaranteed the captaincy beyond Tuesday night’s match.
“They are all one-offs,” said Postecoglou. “I mean, who is guaranteed of being around next time in any position?”
Postecoglou said he would not be influenced by the media in his decision-making.
“I work in the land of public opinion but I am certainly not going to be governed by it as to what is important and what is not. I know what I will be judged on in the end.”
Neill will become Australia’s longest-serving captain, surpassing the 60 captaincy caps of 1970s leader Peter Wilson.
“I believe in myself,” Neill told reporters. “Football has to do the talking.
“Right now, there is nothing else I want to concentrate on other than tomorrow night because it’s vital for the manager to get off to a good start, and it’s vital for me.
“I have to perform and perform well and justify my selection.
“From there, we can start looking at the future.”
The 35-year-old defender said he understood the pressure to perform.
“I have everything to prove – I always do,” Neill said.
“I have been a professional footballer since I was 17 so I have known that week-in, week-out … you have to perform at training; you have to perform every time you get picked.
“So none of this is new to me.
“Probably because of the change (of coach), there has been a lot of hype and it’s probably best left unsaid now, and we get on with concentrating on what is most important, and that is the football tomorrow.”
Postecoglou said he never seriously considered ending Neill’s tenure as captain.
“I know it has been a fascination in terms of the decision but, to be honest, there are more important things and priorities for us at the moment,” Postecoglou said.
“My focus is to get this whole group up and running. So the individual things within that, such as the captaincy … it hasn’t really taken up a lot of time of my thoughts.
“With Lucas starting tomorrow night, it was pretty logical. There wasn’t a decision to be made as far as I was concerned.”
jstn
Guest
agree.. everything is on the line for LN tonight.
Griffo
Roar Guru
I think Ange's initial swing of the axe on Holman et al was it for now. Costa Rica game will see Neill being scruitinised for suitability. Regardless of his credentials in the shed, failure to keep up with the fast attacking raids of Costa Rica could see Neill subbed for a look at a younger combo. The next friendly is in March. Whether there are any camps between now and then, I get the feeling Neill can not gamble on having little game time during that period if he wants Ange to pick him.
Swampy
Guest
If Neill was to lose the armband the obvious replacement was Bresciano and just maybe that was the choice that had been made. FIFA, as they seem to be becoming masters of, spoiled our grand plan (or maybe Bresci is guilty as charged) and the FFA had to quickly re-appoint Neill until further notice. Just my conspiracy...
Jack
Guest
Probably my biggest problem with Neil is that he told fans not to expect fans to expect to much when we played Germany in w/c... And what happened ? We got smashed . Negative dude should of never captained after that match
Simon
Roar Guru
He's Northern Irish for a start. Yep, let's bring him into the team -- and make him captain. That has made my day!
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Might need to calm down a little
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
If I could just say something controversial... I've always had a dislike for Lucas Neill but AP said everyone would be given a chance so you have to respect that. Those who are whining and moaning about how they think AP has somehow failed in his mission before a ball has been kicked should really think before they comment. I'm happy to be proven wrong, if Neill plays terribly again I'll gladly withdraw my statement but until then, it's not the end of the world.
Punter
Guest
It is Johan though, he really struggles with the reality that is football!!!!
Punter
Guest
I'm glad for your 2nd comments RF. I too have not been happy with Neill lately & his used by date is well & truly up, but his heart has always been for the team, even though his ability & his ability not to see it is not. He does not deserve this crap he is getting from the Australian public, but unfortunately, alot of it is his doing, maybe craving that 100th cap too much. Hopefully a graceful (well at least as much as possible) farewell after his last game tomorrow night.
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Clearly you're new to the internet
bemused
Guest
Maybe he is getting one more home game before he retires?
bemused
Guest
Maybe he is getting one more home game before he retires?
Steve
Guest
Terry McFlynn are you joking? Serious dude are you joking? does he even play anymore?
Johan
Guest
How is he going to prove worthy? Request that Ange sub him after 5 mins. I know the cupboard is bare and Bresciano cannot be captain but Neil. He is too slow and drove a wedge between the older and younger players. Davie Boy Carney should be given a go before Neil. What about the fantastic zidane like skills of Tezza mcfylnn. He has been given Australian citizenship now so he can be made captain. He has captained Sydney before and always gives 100 per cent despite his obvious lack of class.
Midfielder
Guest
Me thinks its a chance for Lucas to retire with his head held high... I hope so anyway ... either he can't see the obvious or its a chance for him to say farewell... I hope the latter ...
Claude Bawlz
Guest
Maybe Ange is working a little Psychology here & offering Lucas a chance to pull his finger out, he may only get half a game. If there is no improvement it's by by Lucas
ciudadmarron
Guest
When Schwarzer retired and there was no word on Neill it seemed to me that Schwarzer had been given the heads up and Neill had not. So this news doesn't surprise me. Disappoint, yes. As others have stated these games are opportunities to learn about other options... The fact that Ange isn't going to use it is a little worrying.
Justin Thighm
Roar Guru
Ange said he is more interested in the team and the country, not the captain. What about Neill's comments about the next generation and not taking responsibility for any of the defeats. He doesn't have the legs to keep up any more. I hope this is to give him a fond farewell.
realfootball
Guest
I withdraw useless has-been. Neill deserves more respect than that. He has been a great servant of the game for the national team. His problem is that he doesn't know his time is well and truly up. Never a fast player, age has slowed him to the point where he is a liability at this level. I stick with appalling attitude.
realfootball
Guest
Dismayed does not express what I feel. 90% of the optimism I felt when Ange was appointed has gone. This is the worst possible start. Neill isn't even starting for his club. What was it Ange said? If you're not playing, it's hard to pick you. I cannot believe this. I'd pick Topor Stanley over Neill. What does he have to do to prove to AP that he's a liability? Neill's smug level must be through the roof. The idea that this useless has been with his appalling attitude is going to the WC finals is just too much. Frankly, as an Australian supporter, I feel betrayed. All Ange's rhetoric has come to exactly nothing. I can only pray the rest of the team plays some decent football on Tuesday night to shore up what little faith I have left.