Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will quit next month even if Australia qualifies for the World Cup in frustration with relentless criticism.
The 52-year-old would have already walked away if the team made it through the Asian qualifiers last month to secure an automatic Cup berth.
But after they were beaten in their group by Japan and Saudi Arabia, Postecoglou decided to stayed on and finish the job.
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will quit next month even if Australia qualifies for the 2018 World Cup
The 52-year-old would have already walked away if the team made it through the Asian qualifiers last month to secure an automatic Cup berth
Australia’s 2-1 extra time victory over Syria on Tuesday night set up a qualification series against likely either Panama or Honduras on November 6 and 12.
The four-year coach ave no indication in his postgame press conference that he was preparing to step down, but sources told the Herald Sun his mind was made up.
‘He is definitely moving on after November,’ they said.
Postecoglou already announced he would move on after the World Cup when his contract expired, but has decided to move that forward seven months.
The attacking-minded coach was said to feel like he was being undermined and frustrating with frequent attacks by critics of his tactics and personality.
The coach, in his fourth year with Australia, faced criticism of his tactics, formation and body language.
Australia’s 2-1 extra time victory over Syria on Tuesday night (pictured) set up a qualification series against likely either Panama or Honduras on November 6 and 12
Postecoglou already announced he would move on after the World Cup when his contract expired, but has decided to move that forward seven months
He was slammed on Tuesday night for leaving star midfielder Aarom Mooy on the bench because he didn’t suit a controversial formation Australia never used before.
Mooy was furious at being left out but took the field after 10 minutes when Brad Smith was knocked out of the match with an injury.
‘It’s not the first time he’s missed out and it won’t be the last time he misses out,’ the coach said unapologetically.
Postecoglou last week defended his all-out attack style that has grown less popular over his tenure.
‘It’s who I am, it’s how I coach, it’s been very successful for me and continues to be successful and it will be successful for me,’ he said.
‘The rest of it just becomes noise, white noise. And again, it’s nothing new.’
Postecoglou was involved in further controversy after the Syria match when the irate opposing coach refused to shake his hand.
The four-year coach ave no indication in his postgame press conference that he was preparing to step down, but sources said his mind was made up
Postecoglou embraces Australian captain Tim Cahill after defeating Syria 2-1 on Tuesday night
News of his impending resignation took the soccer community by surprise with many shocked he didn’t want to coach in a World Cup.
‘I think it’s shocked everyone but the word coming out seems to be that he’s just had enough of being undermined,’ Fox Sports commentator Brenton Speed said.
‘If people are true to their criticism it should be making a lot of people very happy,’ his colleague Andy Harper added.
New Zealand Newswire reporter Angelo Risso said: ‘An extraordinary amount of hubris from a coach whose side could barely defeat Syria. Now throwing a tantrum. Bye Ange.’
Radio host Rohan Connolly said: ‘Surely this is about a gig internationally? Bit sooky if it’s not?’
Soccer fans also reacted with shock and dismay, while others said he should quit immediately if his heart wasn’t in it.
‘What coach DOES’NT want to go to a World Cup? If he doesn’t have the drive, then Postecoglou must go before November play-offs,’ one fan wrote on Twitter.
Postecoglou was involved in further controversy after the Syria match when the irate opposing coach refused to shake his hand
‘The body language of Ange Postecoglou last night was that of a defeated man,’ another wrote.
‘Outrageous that Ange Postecoglou will quit #Socceroos after next playoff. Obviously no faith in the team to perform at WCup if they qualify,’ a third wrote.
Others were more forgiving, pointing out the amount of criticism he put up with and that he likely secured a lucrative European coaching job.
‘Cant say i blame him… All the s**t he cops,’ one wrote.
‘Disappointing to hear Ange Postecoglou will not be going to Russia. I think people are quick to forget what he achieved for club and country,’ another wrote.
‘Leave Ange Postecoglou alone. Seems lot of Australians complacent about Socceroos’ World Cup qualification now. It ain’t easy. Ask Scotland!’ a third wrote.
