If Rangers are considering hiring Ange Postecoglou, his relationship with the Australia team may sway their decision
Ange Postecoglou had always hinted that he might leave his post as Australia manager regardless of whether or not they beat Honduras in this month’s crucial World Cup play-off.
But after Mile Jedinak’s hat-trick secured The Socceroos’ place on a plane to Russia, the coach’s decision to suddenly step down has still come as a surprise. Not least to the Australia players who have achieved so much during Postecoglou’s four-year spell in charge.
The Greek-born coach led Australia to successive World Cups and, in between, guided them to success in the 2015 Asian Cup – the first major honour in the nation’s footballing history.
And while Postecoglou didn’t always win over the critics or some members of the support, he will be remembered fondly by his team.
The topic now, however, must turn to what Postecoglou will do next. ESPN reported recently that the former Brisbane Roar coach, who presided over the longest unbeaten run in A-League history, was interested in the vacant managerial role at Rangers.
And while Postecoglou was coy when asked about taking over at Ibrox prior to the first-leg clash with Honduras, you wonder whether his decision to leave the nation on the verge of a World Cup is because he has his heart set on a new job elsewhere.
With Derek McInnes and Michael O’Neill looking less and less likely to take the Rangers role, the Scottish giants may have to think outside the box – meaning Postecoglou’s new-found availability could give them food for thought.
One plus point in Postecoglou’s favour – he certainly seems to enjoy a better bond with his players than Pedro Caixinha ever did.
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