I have been on the road with my wife and two girls for the last three weeks. Sydney to Adelaide, on to Melbourne and back up the coast to the big smoke, clocking up over 3750 kilometres.
Conveniently, I managed to squeeze in a couple of A-League matches.
Just pure luck, I guess, that I managed to see Sydney FC draw 0-0 away from home in Adelaide, and soak up the Adelaide versus Melbourne City clash a week later in Melbourne.
Surely a case of coincidence rather than deceptive manipulation of the itinerary by yours truly?
Experiencing some unreliable WiFi connections in remote locations, it was tough keeping up with developing football stories, yet I caught the announcement of Bert van Marwijk’s appointment as the new Socceroos boss.
It caught most on the hop, with the announcement originally slated for mid-February, however with the clock running it is probably a case of the sooner the better.
The Dutchman now has a little extra time to psychologically grapple with the players at his disposal and build a blueprint for Russia.
Travelling afforded more time to read than usual, so I took the chance to re-discover Ange Postecoglou’s autobiography, Changing the game: Football in Australia through my Eyes.
It felt cyclical to hear the announcement of the new manager, as I fingered my way through Postecoglou’s story; something of a transition and a handover.
Ange Postecoglou, just days after his appointment as Socceroos coach in 2014. (Image: AAP/Joe Castro)
Revisiting the coaching strategies of Postecoglou and the manner in which he built rapport and spirit within the squad was a worthwhile exercise. The value he placed on empathy and the encouragement of players to understand each others’ journey, and subsequently work in unison, is fascinatingly explained.
As unapologetic a character seen in Australian sport, the ex-gaffer’s steadfast drive for success, belief in his players and criticism of where football gets it wrong in Australia are the cornerstones of who he is as both a man and manager.
Van Marwijk’s appointment planted a seed that will undoubtedly sprout in the minds of many over the coming weeks: what will the new man’s approach be, as friendlies loom and the planning process ramps up?
There are a number of ways he could play it and, no doubt, criticism will follow irrespective of his choices. However, it will be intriguing to see what the mind of such an astute and experienced footballing thinker sees when he looks at the squad available to him.
One obvious approach would be to resist tinkering early on. Of course he has watched the Australians in action throughout the recent campaign, it would be remiss of an Asian manager to fail to do so, yet living and breathing with the Aussies will reveal far more about the individuals than what occurs on the pitch and what the media relay.
Tackling the first friendly, against Norway on March 23, with the same team and set-up that conquered Honduras in Sydney could be a smart and politically correct ploy. Providing consistency of structure for the squad would give the manager a chance to evaluate the team and then cite its strengths and weaknesses.
Slow tweaking from that point on might be a prudent approach, rather than extensive changes from the get-go.
Alternately, with such a footballing pedigree, does Van Marwijk automatically have the mandate to ruffle some FFA feathers and reshape and reinvent the team?
One compelling question will obviously be the Tim Cahill dilemma. As our loyal servant shops his wares around Europe in the frantic search for first-team football, the new manager will be overseeing his progress.
Perhaps the Dutchman will draw curtains on Cahill. Bluntly and finally. As much as it might hurt many of us, if the new manager is given complete power, it might happen.
Time out or time up for Tim Cahill? (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Is the new man sitting there shaking his head and laughing at our attempts to compete internationally with the much-maligned back three of Postecoglou; a system that played a role in our epic qualification battle?
Are there players that he will avoid? Will Tomi Juric and James Troisi struggle to make the squad based on flawed performances in front of goal?
Additionally, are there players about to receive an international lifeline after seemingly having been cashiered as Socceroo players? Could an Alex Wilkinson or Luke Brattan type be stunningly recalled into the fold?
If the changes are wholesale, youth could potentially be the motivation and with much local interest around Daniel de Silva, Daniel Arzani and Andrew Nabbout, Van Marwijk might have them all kitted out for Russia as a shrewd investment for the future.
One would have to think the nucleus will remain. Surely Aaron Moody, Massimo Luongo and Tom Rogic will form the key components in the midfield?
However, once again, the Dutchman may have a starkly different view and reignite the international career of Jackson Irvine, Josh Brillante or even find a defensive-mid position for the promising Brandon O’Neill.
Aziz Behich deserves the call, as do Bailey Wright and Trent Sainsbury, and the captain’s heroics in Sydney must surely have proven how influential he is. The reality is, the Socceroos rarely lose in Asia with Mile Jedinak at the helm and he is the man to lead them to Russia.
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Once the selection map starts to look clearer, the interest will shift to style. With a reputation tinged with negativity and conservatism, and the potential reintroduction of a back four, the Socceroos might look a very different team when they take the park against France in their opening group match on June 16.
Just as Andy Harper did a wonderful job in his recording of the Postecoglou era, I hope someone keeps tabs on Bert van Marwijk’s thinking throughout this process.
It would be a rare insight to know the players he sees as automatic selections and those whose continual selection befuddles him.
I find it hard to believe his choices will mirror those made by Postecoglou. No two coaches are the same yet we may be witnessing the case of a caretaker, instructed to maintain a consistency of set up, holding the fort and anticipating the post-World Cup appointment of Graham Arnold.
Alternatively, if given free rein, look out. All bets would be off and the squad may change dramatically.
I’ve got my boots at the door Bert, just in case.
Albo
Guest
Not so sure his tactics were the real problem ! But 2 goals from 41 shots on goal against Thailand, and similar goal scoring conversion rates through the campaign, might have had more to do with the problem ? . Plenty of opportunities, but few goals is not a tactics problem, but a player selection or player performance issue.
Albo
Guest
Agree 100% Nemesis ! He was outstanding in both those matches. He would do me at RB.
Albo
Guest
I think you have nailed it , Brian ! It won't matter too much what the set up is on the park, if we can't find one player who can put chances away regularly ! Whether its 4-2-3-1 or not who is our "1" that can score goals consistently? To date it has only been a 38 year old who can't even get a game at present ?
Simoc
Guest
Since he has done that formation on every occasion there is every probability that you are right.
Les Mara
Guest
I don't see how Juric and Kruse have a mortgage on their spots. The reason the Socceroos are in the World Cup is purely because Cahill got them there. Bringing in new stikers and not giving in to fear of change, should be a priority. I'd go Cahill, daylight second,then, mebrahtu, Nabout and Blackwood ahead of Juric, McLaren and Kruse as they shy away at this level,.
Ole gunner
Guest
B v m Will have an amazing impact which will see Australia draw with France and Peru and beat the mighty Denmark then advance trough the knockout stages to quarter finals , where the whole nation of bandwagonets love the Socceroos. Until they get beat by Germany in the quarter finals .
pacman
Guest
Been away all day, but interesting to read the comments. IMHO, Van Marwijk has two challenges. Who are the best players available, and in what formation will he employ these players? Chicken or the egg? Having analysed the Socceroos whilst coaching Saudi Arabia gives him a first hand insight into Australian football. I expect, and hope, that Van Marwijk will be ruthless in his selection process. Dump the under achievers, and take a gamble with our younger guys, both from the A-League and elsewhere. I anticipate a different approach. Instead of two wing backs continually dropping back to support a back three, how about the old fashioned 4-4-2? The two wing backs would be converted to wing halves, with a lighter work load resulting in their performances being more electrifying, converting a 4-4-2 to a 4-2-4 and then back to 4-4-2 as circumstances dictate, a la the old Brazilian style. We have the physicality, but do we have the skills?
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
I used to be a great fan of Ange and what he has achieved, but now I think Postecoglou proved to be niave, stubborn, non-agile and out of his depth. He also turned out to be dishonest and working under false pretenses. If he really thought we had a team to challenge for a world cup then why did he leave? His words (lies maybe) ring very hollow, when as it turns out it was all about money, not his family. He was miffed because the FFA wouldn't pay him any more, so he went to Japan for 4 times the money. Working in Japan, his family will see less of him, not more, but the extra money makes it worth it doen't it Ange. Seriously, the Footballroos struggled the whole way through the campaign and luckily only had to beat Syria and Honduras, who are a hundred FIFA rankings behind us, to get through. His tactics are so one dimensional and predictable that anyone could beat us. Van Marqwijk is EXACTLY what this team needs, to have any chance of picking up even a couple of points in this group.
Pauly
Guest
I'd prefer to see BVM go through to the Asian Cup, possibly with Arnie on the bench as an assistant at UAE2019, before Arnie takes over afterwards with a clean slate for what promises to be a far more cut-throat qualifying series for Qatar 2022 where just 3.5 spots are available (with Qatar taking a spot as host).
AGO74
Guest
Sounds promising. I'm sure BVM will be watching the video tape.
Lee
Guest
This is surely stewie’s best work yet! A triumph of an article!! Hurrah for stewie!! We are truly privileged in this sunburnt land to have stewie’s pieces to enjoy and I do not write such words in jest!!! As a Australian of Dutch aristocratic ancestry (many of you will no doubt recall my posts under my real name of Johan) I am proud that the newly appointed manager is a Dutchman! I can only hope that he can emulate the job done by Pim- especially that delightful game in Durban against Germany!!!
Nemesis
Guest
Was really adventurous going forward. And he moved with fluency & pace I've never seen when he lumbers around at Central Defence for AUS. I really was shocked.
Nemesis
Guest
"so who will be going to Russia who will give us the best possible chance of doing damage in the group stage?" I've got no issue with Tim going to Russia. I've got an issue with ALT-FACTs suggesting Australia relies on Tim Cahill to score goals. Who plays No. 9 is not key to our success. The keys to our success will be: 1. Tight defence 2. Midfield that can control matches to create attacking chances 3. Midfield that can limit opposition chances
R King
Guest
Nem, I agree with you in some regards. Tim's goal scoring feats have been 'highlighted' by the main stream media, yet his ability to get to a crossed ball is uncanny. However having said that, I don't think he will lead the attack, mainly because i think he will struggle to score for Milwall. The Championship is, IMO, a tougher league than the A League, the defenders there are less likely to give him the time and space he now needs, plus even Milwall getting in behind defences and crossing is not guaranteed. As I said before I think we have seen Tim play his last Socceroo game.
Birdman
Guest
I'll ask again - so who will be going to Russia who will give us the best possible chance of doing damage in the group stage?
Nemesis
Guest
To suggest Australia relies on Tim Cahill for goals is an ALT-FACT. In fact, Tim hardly started any matches over the past 18 months and, as I said, he only scored in 2 out of 14 World Cup Qualifiers played over the past 18 months against the stronger nations. He did score easily against Bangladesh, Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan. Denmark, Peru & France will be tougher opponents.
Nemesis
Guest
"the 2013 team that qualified with much less drama then Ange’s 2017 journey. " Are you kidding? Did you watch the 2013 journey? We needed a Josh Kennedy goal 10 minutes before the end of the final match, to book our place to Brazil. And, that night we were playing the Iraq u20 team and they ran rings around us at times. Under Ange, we lost 1 match and missed qualification by goal difference and finished only 1 point less than top spot.
Birdman
Guest
you're hilarious - who pray tell should be leading the line in Russia? Juric? It is not an ALT -FACT that the Socceroos are bereft of striking capability and Cahill is still the most reliable option
Brian
Guest
That 2015 team was not so different from the 2013 team that qualified with much less drama then Ange's 2017 journey. So basically we are going backwards, there maybe many reasons for that but it is hardly a glowing review for a coach who was in charge for 4 years.
Brian
Guest
If you look at how the Dutch made the 2010 WC Final under Bert it was having De Jong and Van Bommel as 2 defensive midifelders in front of a back 4. The Dutch were quite physical relying on Robben and Sjneider for goals with the back 6 shutting down Brazil etc. Unfortunately Leckie is no Robben so making the final is going to be tough but its basically the gameplan I expect us to deploy.