There are less than six months to go until the 2018 FIFA World Cup commences in Russia, and the Socceroos remain without a head coach.
Former head coach Ange Postecgolou resigned shortly after the Socceroos qualified for the World Cup, and speculation as to who Australia’s next head coach will be has been running rife.
With such a short amount of time until the tournament begins, the Socceroos will be looking to hire the right candidate as soon as possible. If a recent News Limited report is to be believed, Australia may not have to wait too much longer before it is decided who will lead the nation in Russia next year.
Football Federation Australia has reportedly made contact with former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal has not coached since Manchester United’s 2016 FA Cup win. If the FFA believes he is the right man for the job, their prospects of hiring him appear promising.
In an interview with British tabloid, The Daily Mirror, van Gaal ruled out coaching at club level, unless he had the opportunity to lead a big English club over Manchester United.
Interestingly, van Gaal’s comments did not include the possibility of coaching at an international level and may indicate that he would consider the right offer. There have been a number of big names linked to the Socceroos job since Postecoglou’s resignation, and van Gaal is the latest to join that list.
When the nine-person selection committee makes their decision, van Gaal may be the name they announce come February.
(AP Photo/Jon Super).
Van Gaal, like many others, may find the prospect of leading the Socceroos to be exciting, especially considering he values the same dynamic, possession-focused brand of football which Postecoglou has established in Australian football during his four-year tenure at the top.
Joining van Gaal as genuine contenders for the Socceroos job are Marcelo Bielsa, Jurgen Klinsmann, Graham Arnold and Luiz Felipe Scolari. It is believed that Socceroos assistant Ante Milicic has been ruled out for the job, with van Gaal and Bielsa firming as favourites for the job.
Van Gaal and Bielsa are likely to continue Postecoglou’s style of play, with the intent of reducing disruption to Australia’s World Cup preparation.
Ultimately, the biggest concern is the lack of preparation that the national side will have ahead of the World Cup. With a new coach set to join the fold, the Socceroos have a mighty task ahead of them as they set their sights for Russia.
While many may feel that the lack of preparation time would be offputting for a number of coaches, van Gaal may like his prospects at making a return to football with Australia. After leading the Netherlands to a third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he may be lured by another World Cup appearance.
France, Denmark and Peru will be awaiting the Socceroos, and perhaps van Gaal in 2018, as Australia looks to make the Round of 16 for just the second time in history.
Kangajets
Guest
Rale rasic got Australia to a World Cup , does he count as an adoptied Aussie
Kangajets
Guest
Worried I think dejan lovren may disagree with Jurgen Klopp abt being thrown under the bus .
Kangajets
Guest
Agree fadida Van Gaal is putrid
Fadida
Guest
Van Gaal at United played the worst football I had seen from the club in 30+ years. There's no way I want him anywhere near the NT if that's how he plans to continue
Cool N Cold
Guest
Best candidate so far. Comparing with Marcelo Bielsa, Gaal has more achievements both at club and international level. Gaal is from Europe and has coached in EPL. There is no communication problem. The only criticism is his moderate result in MU. However, as good as Mourinho cannot avoid some down times.
Kangajets
Guest
Worried I love my football man utd and epl , but can’t be bothered getting into a slanging match about Klopp Mourinho or van gaal or whoever I really don’t see what u think Van Gaal did well at United . He was just as negative as Mourinho. Van Gaal football was putrid Anyhow mate Have a good Boxing Day Cheers
James Jackson
Guest
I'll always be grateful to Ange, and I think it's a bit unfair to throw the baby out with the bath water - for god's sake the man led us to the Asian Cup and was the first Australian coach to get us to a World Cup.
Worried
Guest
Plenty of JUICE to go around! Its called faith in my team. We do not park buses to try and scrape a point! And our Coach/Manager does not throw his players under said bus when it does not work! ManU screwed up replacing Van Gaal with Moan-rinho Admit it!
James Jackson
Guest
He did a great job with the Netherlands in 2014, the fact he beat the host nation to 3rd is fantastic for the squad he had. I'm so tired of people judging managers on their last gig, yes football tactics change and some managers get left behind, but to discount a guy who has been in charge of some of the world's best players and clubs because of a recent failure is a bit rich.
Kangajets
Guest
Worried Van gaal. Does not play positive football. Very safe boring football in his last 2 jobs with holland and man utd . Your a Liverpool fan and u think man utd are in disarray. Have you seen the ladder ? I’d love to be on the juice u were taking when u posted this . Cheers Hope u had a good chrissie
bobbym
Guest
Ranga for me. Won't cut and run like the last coach we had
Worried
Guest
At least he plays positive football, its not all about spoiling the opposition game but a combination of stopping them and scoring yourselves. I didn't think he was given a fair go at United, but as a Liverpool fan I am always happy to see ManU in disarray, like now under moan-rinho.
ALBERT G CID
Guest
Marcelo Bielsa is the man. He coached Chile to a power in soccer. Australia lack the technical ability of Chile but Australia got the physical power.
George K
Roar Pro
LOUIS VAN GAAL'S OZ ARMY!! In all seriousness, Van Gaal's last managerial stint at united was mixed to say the least. It seems he does better at an international level playing for draws and penalties but that's just the impression I got from the Nethlands in 2014. If Van Gaal does join the Socceroos in 2018 - the jokes will be relentless.