Postecoglou quits after guiding Socceroos to World Cup

SYDNEY: An emotional Ange Postecoglou quit as Australia coach on Wednesday, just days after guiding the team to a World Cup spot and leaving them only months to find a replacement for the tournament in Russia.
The 52-year-old Australian did not reveal the reason behind his decision, which had been widely expected after he repeatedly refused to deny reports he was about to stepping down.His departure, at the end of a five-year contract, leaves the Asian champions in turmoil ahead of the June-July World Cup, where they will hope to improve on their three straight defeats in 2014.
Postecoglou gave no details about his future plans, beyond saying he hoped to coach a club overseas. But he said he felt it was “the right time” to leave.“After a great deal of thought and soul-searching, I’ve decided that the journey for me ends as Socceroo coach,” he told a press conference in Sydney.
“It’s been the biggest privilege of my life and probably not the ending I had envisaged when we started, but at the same time, knowing it’s the right time for me and the right decision.”
Postecoglou brushed aside questions about whether he had been affected by media criticism, and denied any conflict with Football Federation Australia.
FFA chief executive David Gallop said he was “disappointed and I guess still a bit puzzled”, but added: “I’m supportive of the notion that sometimes you reach a point where you just know that you need to do something new.”
“As for the process going forward, we won’t be rushed,” said Gallop, sitting alongside Postecoglou. “It’s important that we get the right person to fill the big shoes... there’s enormous advantages in having an Australian in this position”.
The Socceroos, who beat Syria and then Honduras in two-legged playoffs to seal their World Cup spot, do not play again until March.
Gallop said it was too early to say if the FFA would appoint an interim coach to guide the team through the World Cup, or opt for a longer-term appointment.
Sydney FC coach and Australian Graham Arnold has been seen as one of the top contenders to replace Postecoglou.Arnold worked under the Socceroos’ Dutch coaches Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek, and managed the team during the 2007 Asian Cup.