Wednesday 22 November 2017, 01:05

Postecoglou steps down from Australia post

  • Australia coach Ange Postecoglou steps down after four years at the helm

  • Socceroos qualified for 2018 FIFA World Cup last week

  • Postecoglou said the job “has taken a toll personally and professionally”

Ange Postecoglou has resigned as Australia coach just a week after leading the Socceroos to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

Almost fours to the day since his first match at the helm, Postecoglou announced he was stepping down despite being contracted until the end of the current World Cup campaign.

“This has been a very tough decision for me,” Postecoglou said. “It has been a privilege for me to coach my country’s national team.

"All this however, has taken a toll on me both personally and professionally. I have invested all I can knowing how important a period it was for Australian football. It is with a heavy heart that I must now end the journey.

"To coach your own country is the greatest privilege but it also has enormous responsibility. I feel now is the right time to pass on that responsibility to someone who will have the energy it requires. I owe this to the FFA , the players and the fans.

“I look forward to watching the team take on the world next year. I have no doubt that road ahead will have many special moments and no one will be happier than me watching and cheering from afar.

"These last four games have just been priceless. The players are ready to go to the next level."

Australia qualified for Russia 2018 last Wednesday after defeating Honduras in the intercontinental play-off. In doing so, Postecoglou became the first Australian-raised coach to take the Socceroos to the World Cup.

Postecoglou coached Australia to their first AFC Asian Cup title in 2015, and also led the Socceroos to the 2014 World Cup and this year’s FIFA Confederations Cup.

He coached the nation to a total of six FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups, and also featured at the 2000 FIFA Club World Cup at the helm of Oceania champions South Melbourne.