Australian national team manager Ange Postecoglou says that the players looking to get into the national team squad for the World Cup 2014 should be playing at the highest level on a regular basis. Postecoglou was recently appointed as the national team manager after a poor run of results left Australia facing early exit from the World Cup even before the tournament started. Since the nation qualified for the 2006 World Cup, they have been regarded as one of the strongest from the oceanic group.
Postecoglou’s latest comments come as a warning for players like Lucas Neil and Tom Rogic. They have the option to secure a regular first-team football by moving away from their respective clubs. While Lucas Neil is one of the established stars of the national team, Rogic is someone who is seen as a player with bright future. The manager has said that the players should at least try and secure a loan move and play regularly.
The manager undoubtedly has a tough job on his hands since Australia have been grouped in one of the toughest groups at World Cup 2014. It features the likes of Spain and the Netherlands, while South American team Chile will also be hopeful due to the home advantage.
”There’s quite a few that are in that boat who have to make some really important decisions about their futures. have said all along, I really need players playing and fit around selection time. For Lucas and others in the group, there are some pretty big decisions to come. Whoever is playing well and in form I will have a look at, whether that’s the A-League, Europe, or Asia. ‘I will be looking at individual’s form, their fitness and how they are going,” said the former Brisbane Roar manager, who is regarded as one of the finest from Australia.