Football Federation Australia today announced former Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau has been named head coach of the Olyroos and will join Ange Postecoglou’s national coaching staff.
The Spaniard impressed the FFA during his stint with Adelaide United in the A-League and has been given the challenge of leading the Australian men’s under 23s towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Former head coach Aurelio Vidmar was sacked after his team failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics in March.
Gombau will start his role in August working closely with Paul Okon and the under 20s as they aim to qualify for the 2017 U20 World Cup in the Korea Republic.
FFA Ceo David Gallop praised Gombau in a statement:
“We are pleased to announce that Josep Gombau will join the national coaching structure and take charge of the Olyroos in an expanded role in line with the National Teams’ strategy to integrate football philosophies across all National Teams,” said Gallop.
“Josep made a good impression while he was coaching Adelaide United in the A-League and he will be a valuable addition to the national team coaching structure.”
Socceroos head coach Postecoglou welcoming Gombau to the coaching team:
“I’m excited to have Josep join the national team staff in what is a very import role in the pathway of future Socceroos.” Said Postecoglou.
“The Olyroos is a direct feeder into the Socceroos and we feel Josep will assist in ensuring the next generation of players are ready to step into the national team but importantly also give them the best possible opportunity to qualify for the next Olympics.
“He will play a broad role within our structure as we look to build on the good work that has been done to provide a smooth transition for younger players through the national teams.”
Gombau thanking the FFA for the opportunity:
“This is a great opportunity for me to work with the best young players in Australia,” he said.a
“I am excited by the standard of young players in Australia and I thank FFA for giving me the chance to help improve them. We will have a target to qualify for the Olympic Games but we will always be looking to prepare the players to play for the Socceroos.”
What are your thoughts Roarers? Is Gombau the right man to lead Australia to Tokyo?
Midfielder
Guest
Astute observation
Midfielder
Guest
Thats funny but true
SM
Guest
I've got to echo a lot of the comments here and say that it's an outstanding appointment.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Given Gombau's passion for youth development and his proven understanding of the Australian development context it is hard not to feel terribly positive about this appointment.
whiskeymac
Guest
A good appointment. Was always a bit disappointed when he left the local scene ( for what appeared to be, to me and on the face oc it, a lesser role in the US). His track tecord here bodes well for the NT set up. Future NT manager maybe??
CruyffTotalFutbol
Guest
Fantastic choice! Hopefully he will also train the u20s and even your u17 team. Great coach but most importantly a great guy!
MatthewSkellett
Guest
Best sporting news this week apart from England crashing out of the Euros - well done FFA !!!! :-)
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Excellent news and well done FFA. I didn't think they'd get him, but this appointment will significantly improve our chances at all future U-17 World Cups, Olympics and U-20 World Cups. I wonder if his focus is on getting results or playing a better, more attractive style of football. He's very good with young players, knows his foottball and gets results. The biggest change should be in the style of play and entertainment factor. Happy days.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Good news when it broke Gombau was being persued for the Olyroos. Brilliant decision imo. Gombau showed with the All-stars he could work with a diverse group and produce a strategy and tactical setup rather quickly. Differences obvious with a young adult setup but I don't doubt there will be a noticable difference with the way the Olyroos will approach and play from now on. -- On a related note, I thought this was an interesting development: "...and take charge of the Olyroos in an expanded role in line with the National Teams’ strategy to integrate football philosophies across all National Teams,” said Gallop." I think Eric Abrams has flown under the radar a bit since his appointment around how the former FFA Technical Director role was split with Abrams taking on the role up to U16, with Ange taking over the National Teams Strategy from U17 all the way to the NT. Not much has been asked of Ange of his National Teams Strategy role in addition to his National Team coaching role. I wondered whether he may not have had enough time to put more effort into the strategy work. I think it's safe to say that not only will Ange have a person dedicated to hands-on work to this strategy, but Gombau is as good an appointment as any to bring focus to this important aspect of the development process: “He will play a broad role within our structure as we look to build on the good work that has been done to provide a smooth transition for younger players through the national teams.” - Ange Postecoglou
JonJax
Guest
Outstanding appointment!
Sydneysider
Guest
Excellent appointment. Time to improve our youth national team development.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Wonderful news! Finally, a decision made by Gallop that will please the entire Australian Football family.
josh
Guest
He's more popular in Australia than many players, his work with players like Mabil means there is no better choice. Great day.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Great appointment.
Midfielder
Guest
Good appointment.
jamesb
Guest
Great news! I enjoyed his coaching of Adelaide. His possession style of football was exciting and I hope that translates to the Olyroos. Also great to see that he will be part of Anges coaching staff.