Angelos ‘Ange’ Postecoglou knows all to well the enormity of the task that lies ahead of him.
As the Socceroos finalise their preparations for tonight’s clash against Costa Rica, only time will tell as to how Ange will fair.
From this point onwards, Ange’s every selection, preferred playing style, tactical influences and instruction, key substitutions, results, media conferences, you name it, will all be placed under the microscope for all Australian football fans to see.
No longer is this the A-League, where week-in week-out football has its advantages of maintaining a set structure, providing the same players and weekly training seasons in order to improve on weaknesses and build team chemistry.
Instead, for Ange Postecoglou, the next five years will prove to be greatest test of them all.
After inheriting a team low on confidence, following two successive 6-0 defeats at the hands of the 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil and 2006 World Cup runners-up France, a team with no established sense of direction as to how the team should currently be playing, lacking in effective leadership and experiencing a transition period from the titled ‘golden generation’ to the new kids on the block, it doesn’t matter which way you look at it, his hands are full and this job won’t be easy!
Each football match has its own story to be told and this one is no different, but getting off to the perfect start may be what is required for what many hope is the beginning of a great story under Ange Postecoglou.
Already, before a ball has even been kicked, Mark Schwarzer has deemed it in the best interests for the national team he step aside to provide our future talent the opportunity to prove themselves by representing Australia on the grandest stage.
Judgement has also come to pass on Ange Postecoglou’s announcement Lucas Neill will retain the captaincy and his place in the starting XI.
Many have questioned Lucas Neill’s ability to continue playing for Australia, but Ange has shown the faith in the experienced veteran, as it would seem this is his last chance to prove he has what it takes to be part of the World Cup in Brazil 2014.
Is Lucas Neill doing what’s in the best interests for the national team? Should Ange have said “time’s up mate”?
For the first time since 2005, the national team has an Australian coach.
Despite the efforts of Holger Osieck, it was deemed that he was no longer suitable for the job. Whether an Australian coach has the ability to do better and improve on the efforts of Holger remains to be seen.
But what is nice, is how easy it will be listening to an Australian address the Australian football public.
Tonight is the start of a new era in Australian football, but will things change for the better? Is Ange Postecoglou the right man to coach the Socceroos?
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Given the performance Costa Rica displayed tonight, I hope not too many Australian football fans get too far ahead of themselves.
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Given tonights performance, I can see why he's still there.
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Time will tell and I hope he does a tremendous job.
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Following the words given by Bresciano, they didn't panic, they just didn't believe and weren't enthusiastic.
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Jbinnie, After tonight and many other previous matches, I believe the players are there. All they need now is to get consistent game time in those top league's. As for whether Postecoglou is the right man for the job, I actually never said whether he is or isn't.
Radelaide
Guest
I hope so because I picked him to lead the team.
The Auteur
Guest
Rhys Williams is one.
titch
Guest
The Late race caller Ken Howard used to say when a punter entered the race course he'd take off his head and put on a pumpkin, and thats how the Socceroos played under OH. They panicked. That will be Ange's biggest challenge, getting them not to panic and to stick to the game plan.
j binnie
Guest
Cameron -There are thousands hoping you will be proved correct but if we forget "coaching" for a minute & look at the players available for the "Brazil venture" that's when the real depth of Ange's problems begin. You mention a "centre back" pairing ,& a left back being needed,I could add a visionary playmaker & 2 consistent goal scoring front men.. That's 6 out of eleven & to expect youngters who have had a few runs in their top leagues to front up to the super -stars who will be in Rio, is asking a lot. That is the real problem facing Ange & his staff. We can but hope. jb
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Fadida & Holly, do you believe there are currently better options than Lucas Neill?
Cameron Kellett
Guest
By cohesive shot for 2014 you just mean be competitive, unless you think there is a remote chance of getting out of the group stage. As Neill and Ogenovski continue to age, it has become evident that there is no clear replacement. Thus for Neill's continual inclusion. The problem as you have already alluded too is finding a reliable centre back pairing of youth and providing them the time to gain some experience. Finding an out-and-out striker is also very important. Hopefully the likes of Juric, Duke and others can step up to take hold of that position.
fadida
Guest
agree Holly. If he can't he'll be out pretty quickly
Cameron Kellett
Guest
I think the key focus for the 2014 WC is just to be competitive and then push towards winning the 2015 Asian Cup. Cahill still has a few years left in him but these players must continue to perform well, as competition for places is sure to heat up.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
The key here is that we have to give him a clear run at the Asian Cup in 2015. We know he can coach, what are are less sure of is as to whether he has the time to determine and work with the squad he needs for a cohesive shot at 2014. I have a sneaking suspicion he will as we have some structure already in place going forwards however finding a reliable central back pairing and giving them time together to form an understanding could be more problematic.
holly
Guest
With 95 caps Lucas Neill has earned the right to prove himself to Ange on and off the pitch
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
I think fans in Australia need to be realistic here in that they can't expect a World Cup campaign where they may get past the group stage. I feel for Postecoglou a little in that he doesn't have a huge amount of time on his side in preparation for the World Cup. Moving forward though I think he can be a success, but he shouldn't stick too long to the likes of Neill and Cahill as younger players should be given a chance to gain experience before the next World Cup. Much of his potential success will also depend on how well the A-League can develop, but the danger is bringing in too many foreign 'superstars', something that I think will catch up with England soon enough.