Postecoglou 'set to lead Australia'

22 October 2013 13:16

Ange Postecoglou will leave his role at Melbourne Victory to become the new coach of Australia, according to reports in the country.

Postecoglou was initially placed on a three-man shortlist by Football Federation Australia alongside Western Sydney Wanderers boss Tony Popovic and Central Coast Mariners' title-winning coach Graham Arnold.

But it seems Postecoglou has got the nod to succeed the sacked Holger Osieck and lead the Socceroos to next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

His appointment will reportedly be confirmed by the end of the week.

The 48-year-old's departure would be a huge blow to the Victory but midfielder Mitch Nichols was putting on a brave face on Tuesday and backed Postecoglou's assistant Kevin Muscat to replace him.

"Yeah it'll be a massive blow, but I think the club's got the structure in place with Musky (Muscat) and Daz (Darren Davies, the youth team coach)," Nichols said.

"So I don't think much will change if they do take on the role, but it's up to the club to decide.

"But I think all the boys, they've been working at it (under Postecoglou) for a year and a half now, if he does leave not much will change."

Source: PA