retired_anne walter

I'd love Neeskens myself.

I know the draw looks unfriendly on paper - but if we have even some difficulty with it we won't deserve to go through the phase afterward, where we'll really come up against decent opposition.

retired_rmschaffer

I think the key issue is the short preparation time. If we had an easy group, then the FFA could have taken their time to find a manager. And not stressed too much about getting through the first group stage.

But now the first two games are important. We need to win our home game against Qatar. And we can't give China early confidence. So that is a lot of pressure on the new manager or caretaker to get results early.

Later on it will depend on how well our European players can adjust to the travel and short preparation time before matches.


The positives are that this is what we wanted by moving to Asia. We get meaningful important games regularly spread out during the year. Rather than a one off playoff every four years.

And relying on A League players gives the domestic game greater exposure. They get a chance to be heroes with most of Australia watching.

Also the thing with being in a group of death is that all the teams will take points off each other. Hopefully Qatar takes points off Iraq and China, who seem to be our main rivals.

retired_rmschaffer

I have no idea who the new Manager will be. There has been so many names mentioned.

I don't think any of the candidates will have knowledge of the A League. So they will have to rely heavily on a locally based coach to pick the team. Probably Arnold or Baan.

The first two games are a big chance for the A League players. If they are good enough, they might be able to keep their place in the squad. They have the advantage of being based in the region and being available for long training camps.

There seems to be concerns about lack of goals in the A league and the quality of the games. Maybe they will try to bring back players from the smaller overseas leagues. Someone like Nick Carle from Turkey. Aloisi might be important as a natural goalscorer.

retired_bkjem

group of death here we come.
everyone think we will still qualify?

oh and ... bring back frank farina, for the sole reason that he will play zullo and kruse in the national team.

retired_musiclova31

yeah +1 on nesskens here.

absolutely bizarre that he wasn't offered the chance to take over from hiddink when he actually wanted the role.

retired_daquita5

it's going to be Roy Hodgson

plynomo

Nah we'll have Hodgson thanks, feel free to take El Tel back. He know comes with Andy Townsend so you're on to a right winner.

retired_sisa___

McClaren is free now remember :thup:

retired_laticia3

retired_Angela Adams

We (Iran) have first pick on any decent managers knocking about of course. Reports are mentioning Neeskens, Parreira and Luxemborgo. Those coming 3 days after Peter Reid rejected the job /o\