Socceroos target O'Neill as boss

[calamityman]

With current coach Guus Hiddink leaving the Socceroos after the finals in Germany to take over the Russian national team, the Aussies are determined to appoint another inspirational figure to continue the success achieved under the Dutchman.

Former Northern Ireland captain O'Neill is on their hit-list.

www.irelandssaturdaynight.co.uk/international/story.jsp?story=696319

i couldn't think of a better replacement. problem is, sunderland wants him as well.

[calamityman]

i wouldn't mind otto rehhagel too. there'a another guy who's used to making something out of nothing. anything is fine as long as it's not cheating.

[ninja]

I read somewhere that Klinsmann could be targeted, too. He'd be a pretty good choice, too. Like the hard charging, fast but precise style of football the Germans are playing.

[Strange or not]

Why there is never talk about the fact that a national coach should be of the nationality of its team? All team players are supposed to be of that nationality, but nobody cares about the coach? Don't you find it a bit strange?

[calamityman]

klinsmann was targeted by the US but he rubbished the claims.

with so many socceroos plying their trade abroad, a coach with knowledge of all aspects of the sport outside the country is necessary at this stage, especially when they've finally just found their footing.

perhaps when the current batch of players have retired they could contribute as a coach to the national team.

[karchkarai]

Strange said:

Why there is never talk about the fact that a national coach should be of the nationality of its team? All team players are supposed to be of that nationality, but nobody cares about the coach? Don't you find it a bit strange?

I dont think that this is strange. If you look at sport anywhere in the world and in particular here in Singapore this is quite common. Every sports team strives to be the best they can. To become the best you often have to broaden you experience from other areas. There is no better way than to be taught by the best. If the best happens to be in your own country then so be it. I am sure there are a lot of Chinese coaches teaching table tennis and diving around the world whereas there are a lot of russians teaching gymnastics. Singapore has a NZ netball coach, Australian Basketball Coach, English Sailing coach the list gos on. Also have a look at how many players are representing countries which they were not born in, plenty of Chinese people representing Singapore I think. I think it is only natural for the socceroos to look overseas at the best competitions and the best people for the job.

[calamityman]

looks like houllier is a target too.

www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=19&art_id=iol1151904586888R200&set_id=

it'd take a lot to prise him away from lyon where he's on a roll.

on the flipside, i'm not sure if he's the right man for the job.