Holger Osieck has been fired as the Manager of the Australian National Team; the Socceroos, effective immediately. Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop broke the news via a press conference in Melbourne this afternoon. Gallop was hesitant to speculate on who the next manager of the Socceroos would be and only commented that, "They will be extremely qualified to take on the job and continue the improvement Australian Football has made since qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany."
FFA Chairman Frank Lowy added from his business trip in Berlin; "Holger did a solid job as Socceroos manager however we felt that his style of football and his general marketability did not help the FFA in its ongoing struggles for the public’s attention against Australia's other sporting codes; namely AFL and Rugby League. The new manager will be a well-known name with charisma, attitude and a penchant for attacking football."
No deadline has been set by the FFA, however it is expected a new manager will be named within the next month.
8 July, 2012
After Holger Osieck’s shock dismissal last week the football rumour mill in Australia has been sent into overdrive. The FFA are said to be favouring Australian Candidates with national playing experience however they may approach a big name foreign manager if there is interest. Currently the names being tossed around are former Captain of the Socceroos Mark Viduka, World Cup Qualification hero John Aloisi, former Socceroo and successful rookie Manager Tony Popovic (currently with Western Sydney Wanderers) and fan favourite “Aussie Guus” Hiddink; the man who took the Socceroos to the Round of 16 in Germany 6 years ago. Here’s an update on what these 4 men have accomplished in their playing, coaching and management careers and our thoughts on their chances of securing the top job down under.
Mark Viduka (43 Caps, 11 Goals)
A former captain of the Socceroos Viduka retired in 2009 after a moderately successful career where he mainly played in the English Premier League with Leeds United, Middlesborough before finishing his career at Newcastle United. Viduka has limited managerial experience but his standing in Australian Football and his relationship with current players makes him an outside chance of snaring the top job.
John Aloisi (55 Caps, 27 Goals)
The man most well-known in his own country for his successful penalty that sent Australia to their first World Cup in 32 years. Aloisi had a successful career spanning 20 years in Five countries; Australia, Belgium, Italy, Engalnd and Spain. Currently the manager of the struggling Melbourne Heart in the A-League Aloisi is seen as an up and coming manager with plenty of potential and international experience; possibly a very good assistant to the successful applicant.
Tony Popovic (58 Caps, 8 Goals)
“Poppa” forged out a successful career over 19 years working his way to becoming club captain of Premier League club Crystal Palace and an integral part of the National setup in Australia. After returning to Australia to play he in the A-League for Sydney FC Popovic retired from professional football and had non-playing stints at Sydney FC (Asst Manager and Caretaker Manager), Crystal Palace (Asst Manager) before taking up the position as inaugural manager of the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2012. Popovic led the side inspired by Japanese superstar Shinji Ono to Minor Premiers before suffering a heart breaking defeat in the Final Series Grand Final to the Central Coast Mariners. Popovic is seen as very intelligent and successful manager who has a long career ahead of him. His tactical knowledge and ability to get the best out of his players are seen as his major strengths. Popovic is said to be interested in the position however it is unknown whether he would be willing to relinquish is position as Western Sydney.
Guus Hiddink
Currently retired after a short stint with Russian club Anzhi Hiddink has been approached by FFA powerbrokers; Frank Lowy in particular and has shown some signs of interest. Hiddink was of course the man that took Australia to its first world cup in 32 years, where they made it to the round of 16 before succumbing to eventual champions Italy thanks to a controverisal Francesco Totti penalty. Hiddink is seen as the favourite for the job but it is still to be seen whether the FFA can convince “Aussie Guus” to take over the reins of the Socceroos once again. Hiddink’s illustrious career has seen him coach such sides as PSV, Valencia, The Netherlands, Real Madrid, Real Betis, South Korea, Chelsea, Russia and Turkey.
FFA officials have stated that they have not made a decision yet and are still processing applications and discussing possible managers.
Australian Football legend Harry Kewell has today announced his retirement from the game. Kewell had been on the search for a new club following his release from Qatari club Al-Gharafa. It was thought that Kewell would sign with Melbourne Heart, Heart staff however have informed the media that negotiations broke down due to the stubbornness of Kewell’s manager. “It comes as a huge relief to finally announce my retirement. It has been something that has weighed on my mind for a long time and with each injury and setback the desire to keep playing diminished. I love this game and I owe it a great debt; which I hope to repay in the future by passing my knowledge on to young footballers. No decisions have been made, however I am very interested in going into management or coaching. For now I will focus on being there for my lovely wife Sheree, my beautiful kids and continuing my modelling duties with Politik."
Harrold “Harry” Kewell started his career in the Leeds United Youth side before going on to play 181 matches in the Senior Team between 1996 and 2003. His connection with fellow Australian Mark Viduka was something to behold and despite their great form in front of goal severe financial issues crippled Leeds United eventually ending in relegation. Kewell then made the much publicized move to Liverpool FC reportedly rejecting overtures from Milan, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona. Kewell had an up and down time at Liverpool which was heavily influenced by his injury struggles. Despite this he was a part of the Champions League Winning team in 2004-2005 as well as the squad that won the FA Cup during the 2005-2006 season. Kewell’s next move was the highly controversial switch to Galatasacary in Turkey. Kewell's transfer to Galatasaray provoked strong criticism from fans of his former team Leeds United as he was a Leeds player when two of their fans were killed in clashes before a UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray in Istanbul in April 2000. Kewell’s career declined severely after this move before stints at Melbourne Victory and finally Al-Gharafa.
Kewell became the youngest player to début for the Australian national team when he played against Chile on 24 April 1996, aged 17 years and 7 months. In November 1997, Kewell was selected to play for Australia in the country's 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Iran. At the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, in front of an estimated crowd of 100,000, Kewell scored his first ever goal for his country and gave Australia a 1–0 lead. Kewell went on to play 58 internationals and score 17 goals for his nation of birth. He appeared in both the 2006 World cup in Germany where is goal secured Australia’s spot in the round of 16 and in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where he was controversially sent off for a hand ball in the penalty area against Ghana; his last World Cup game.
Tributes have flowed in from around the world as player, coaches, journalists and managers choose to remember Harry in his prime when he was arguably one of the best footballers in the world and not focus on the numerous injuries that kept him from really reaching great heights. Current National Team Manager Candidate Mark Viduka tweeted,
“Congrats @HarryKewell19 on a great career mate, what lies in store? #LeedsUnited#greatcareer”
Former Leeds United teammate, Manchester United Star Rio Ferdinad commented on Kewell’s retirement during an interview with SkySports, “Harry was a wonderful talent whose career was marred by injury; in his prime he was one of the best footballers in the EPL and possibly the world. His pace and footwork were amazing and his connection with fellow Aussie “dukes” was something to behold.”
With Kewell retiring and the impending retirements of other Australian greats such as Mark Schwarzer, Brett Emerton and Lucas Neill, the incoming Australian Manager will have the enormous task of rebuilding before the 2014 World Cup.
July 17 2012
Recently retired Australian Football legend Harry Kewell has been appointed the Manager of the Australian National Team effective immidiately. Harry was unveiled as the nation's new manager at a press conference at the Crown Casino in Melbourne by FFA CEO David Gallop and Chairman Frank Lowy. Gallop explained the controversial appointment; "Harry may be a suprise selection due to his relative lack of managerial experience, however he was chosen due to his enormous standing in the game in this country, his knowledge of international football and his detailed plan for the future of the Socceroos."
Lowy added; "Harry was named the greatest footballer to ever play for Australia a few years ago and this is an example of the esteem in which he is held in this country. He has a great relationship with all the current players and has shown a great desire to develop young players and impart the wisdom he has acquirred through his impressive professional career."
Kewell's first game in charge of Australia is a friendly against the Ukraine, with one more friendly agaisnt Tunisia before taking on the likes of Iraq and Qatar in World Cup Qualifying.
Press Conference
Kewell wearing a sharp Navy slim fit Politik suit took questions from SBS reporter and outspoken former National player Craig Foster, Fox Sports football reporter Simon Hill and an unknown reporter from NovaFM.
CF: Ermmm, first of all congratulations Harry on the appointment. You have an ageing squad; many of whom you have played with for a long time, will you be able to make the tough decisions and cut some of these players to allow for the younger players to come through?
HK: First of all as Manager I will have no favourites; this includes some very dear friends who I have played with and against for many years. Younger players will get their opportunity if they are playing consistent quality football. Senior players will be given their chance to retain their positions by doing the same.
SH: Harry, Holger Osieck's reign was known for a lack of goals and overall inconsistency, what will be your philosophy?
HK: My policy will be to play attacking attractive football; the way I liked to play during my career. As a side we will endeavour to create more scoring opportunities which will hopefully lead to more goals.
Unknown: I'm suprised this question hasn't been asked yet, do you think that you are the best looking manager in football at the moment, considering your modelling career and relative youth compared to other managers?
HK: (Chuckles), now that Sir Alex has retired, possibly (entire room breaks into laughter). There are some great looking managers out there at the moment but I think... and my wife Sheree too that David Beckham of Bayern Munich and England is the Football Manager sex symbol.
FFA Media Manager: "Thankyou for your time that is all."
Love him, mostly because he played for Liverpool!
