Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has said he would consider taking up the role as Australia coach when Pim Verbeek leaves the post after the World Cup finals in South Africa.
The search is on in earnest for Verbeek's replacement, after he revealed in March that he would step down after two and a half years as Socceroos coach because of demands on family and his desire to return to Europe.
"Of course I would consider it (coaching Australia). It's very nice there," Gullit said. "I love Australia, I've been to Sydney. What I like about Australia is the people are very sport minded, very much, they love it."
He added: "And of course the temperature is nice, the environment is nice. Maybe that's the reason why the Dutch coaches do so well."
Australia's past two coaches have been Dutch, with Guus Hiddink leading them to the 2006 World Cup finals before Verbeek was handed the role.
Australian football has also sought to follow a Dutch blueprint for success, the national curriculum is based on teaching young players the 4-3-3 system employed in the Netherlands, to further boost Gullit's claims.
The 47-year-old's decorated playing career saw him play for PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, AC Milan and Chelsea, while he rose to player-manager at Stamford Bridge, leading the club to its first trophy in 26 years by winning the 1997 FA Cup.
His managerial career also included spells at Newcastle, Feyenoord and LA Galaxy. However, he has not coached since August 2008, when he was sacked by the Galaxy.
Source: PA
