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BSP-15
FBL-WC-2018-AUS-POSTECOGLOU
Socceroos must shed ‘inferiority complex’, says ex-coach
SYDNEY, June 28, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Australia must shed their inferiority
complex and stop thinking of themselves as the “underdog”, former national
coach Ange Postecoglou said Thursday after their early World Cup exit.
The Socceroos limped out of the tournament in Russia with a 2-0 defeat to
Peru in Sochi on Tuesday, again paying for a lack of a cutting edge in front
of goal.
Australia have won only two of their 16 World Cup games stretching back to
their tournament debut in 1974. They brought in Dutchman Bert van Marwijk
after Postecoglou abruptly quit following their qualification for Russia.
Postecoglou, who now coaches Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, defended his
attacking philosophy and said the reigning Asian champions should not fear
failure on the world stage.
“If our way forward is to rely on our defensive stability and
competitiveness, then let that be our blueprint,” he wrote on the
PlayersVoice website.
“But we must shed our inferiority complex. The problem with always being
the underdog is that it is a sign you haven’t improved.”
Postecoglou said Australia still thought of themselves as underdogs,
despite qualifying for the last four World Cups.
“What has happened and transpired since I left the position shows me my
instincts were right,” he said.
“We still want to be the underdog. We want everyone to know that eight
times out of 10 we will be beaten by the very best, but that does not mean we
can’t knock them off. After all we are Australians and we fear no one.
“We can’t fear failure or being exposed. The Socceroo name alone should
give us that strength. We should build on the shoulders of those before us,
otherwise we have failed in our responsibilities.”
Despite another World Cup failure, Postecoglou remains optimistic about
Australia’s future in international football.
“The core of this group have their peak years ahead of them,” he said.
“They have played under great leaders like Mile Jedinak, Mark Bresciano,
Mark Milligan and Matt McKay. They have played with our greatest Socceroo
Timmy Cahill.
“The likes of (youngsters) Daniel Arzani and Tommy Rogic give us genuine
excitement.”
Postecoglou also fired a salvo at Didier Deschamps after the France boss
criticised his coaching ethos.
“Before the France (World Cup) game, Didier Deschamps remarked how the
Socceroos now had a better balance between attack and defence,” he said.
“He referenced that during my reign we were too offensive and open. Some
used it as further evidence of my failings.
“I saw it differently. We all try and find meaning, and I can think of no
better five words to define my career than those. His teams were too
attacking.”
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1043 hrs